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Photographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

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CIHM/ICIVIH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canad:an  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  institut  Canadian  da  microraproductiona  hiatoriquaa 


TcchniMi  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiquw 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  bMt 
original  copy  available  for  filming.  Features  of  this 
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which  may  alter  any  of  the  imagea  in  the 
reproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  change 
the  usual  method  of  filming,  are  chackad  below. 


D 


Coloured  covin's/ 
Couverture  da  couiaur 


I      I    Covers  damage 


Couverture  end(>mmaga« 

Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couvertu.'e  restaur^e  et/ou  pailiculee 

Cover  title  missing/ 

Le  titre  de  couvertura  manqu* 


I      I    Coloured  maps/ 


Cartes  g^ographiquas  an  COUttur 


□    Coloured  ink  (i.e.  othar  than  biua  or  blttik)/ 
Encre  da  couleur  (i.a.  autra  qu*  b<«u«  ou  noirti 

□    Coloured  prates  and/or  illustrationi/ 
Planches  et/ou  illustrationa  an  coui«ur 

I     "y  Bound  with  other  material/ 
Lx<a    Relid  avac  d'autres  documants 

□    Tight  binding  may  causa  shado«n  or  dittortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

La  re  liure  serree  peut  causer  da  I'ombro  ou  da  ia 
distorsion  le  long  de  la  marge  interieur* 

□    Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  theae 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajout^ea 
lors  dune  restauration  apparaissent  dans  la  taitO. 
mais,  lorsque  cela  6tait  possible,  cas  pages  n'ont 
pas  6td  film^es. 

□    Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  supplementairea; 


L  Iristitut  a  microfilme  le  meilleur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  eta  possible  da  se  procurer.  Las  dstails 
da  cat  examplaire  qui  sent  paut-atre  unique*  du 
point  da  vue  bibliographique,  qui  pauvont  modifier 
Ufte  image  reproduito,  ou  qui  pauvant  exigar  urte 
modification  dans  la  mithode  normale  de  filmags 
•ont  indiQMia  et-dasaous. 


r      I    Coioured  pages/ 
FT^  Pages  dame^od/ 


Pages  de  couieur 

Pages  dama^od/ 
Pages  artdommagAos 

Page*  rattored  and/oi 

Pages  raatauriiaa  at/ou  pallieuiiaa 


r~*|   Pagaa  rattored  and/or  laminated/ 


p~l/P«get  diacolOMred.  stained  or  foaad/ 
Ud  Paget  d<lcoior4et.  tachat«ot  ou  piquier 

□   Paget  detached/ 
Pagat  ditaehtfeat 

rrv^howthrough/ 
L2li  Trantparanea 

□   Quality  of  print  varjat/ 
Qualit*  ir»4lgaia  da  Umpraation 

□   ineludat  supplementary  matarial/ 
Comprend  du  mattrtal  tuppMmantaira 

□   Only  adition  availabia/ 
Saula  iditton  disponibia 


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to  th 


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film!  I 


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bagii 
the  li 
sion, 
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first 
aion, 
or  illi 


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Paget  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc..  have  been  refiimed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Lea  pages  totalement  ou  partieltement 
Obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata.  une  pelure. 
ate.,  ont  dte  film^es  i  nouveau  de  fs^on  a 
obtenir  la  meiileure  image  possible. 


Thai 
thall 
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whic 

Mapi 
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begir 
right 
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This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  filme  au  taux  de  reduction  indiqua  ci-dassoua. 

10X  14X 


1BX 


22X 


26X 


30X 


lyi 


12X 


16X 


20X 


24X 


J 


28X 


32X 


The  copy  filmed  hera  has  been  raproducad  thanks 
to  the  generosity  of: 

Metropolitan  Toronto  Library 
Canadian  History  Department 

The  images  appearing  herb  are  the  best  quality 
possible  considering  the  condition  and  legibility 
OT  the  original  copy  and  in  keeping  with  the 
filming  contract  specifications. 


Original  copies  in  printed  paper  covers  are  fllme^} 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  and  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  or  illustratfid  impre«« 
sion,  or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
Or  illustrated  impression. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shell  contain  the  symbol  — <»>  (maaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  ▼  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 

Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  b« 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  ccner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  tho 
method: 


L'exemplaire  filmd  fut  reproduit  grdce  A  la 
g6n6rosit4  de: 

Metropolitan  Toronto  Library 
Canadian  History  Department 


Les  images  suivantes  ont  6t6  reproduites  avec  le 
plus  grand  soin,  compte  tenu  de  la  condition  et 
de  la  nettet^  da  l'exemplaire  film6,  et  en 
conformity  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
filmage. 

Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  imprimde  sont  filmds  en  commenpant 
par  le  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
derniire  pa(ie  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  selon  le  cas.  Tous  les  autres  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  film6s  en  commandant  par  la 
premiAre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 

Un  des  symbotes  suivants  apparattra  sur  la 
derniire  image  de  chaque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbole  — »-  signifie  "A  SUIVRE  ",  le 
symbols  V  signifie  "FIN  ". 

Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  dtre 
filmis  d  des  taux  de  reduction  diff^rents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  dtre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  cliche,  il  est  film^  d  partir 
de  Tangle  sup6rieur  gauche,  de  gauche  d  droits, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  n^cessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  mithode. 


1  2  3 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

\ 


7^^ 


^r~^*  *--»-^ 


FORMATION 


or  A 


THEOLOGICAL  INSTITUTION, 


BY   THE 


BAPTISTS  OF  CANADA: 


TO(rETIlER    WITFI  TlIK 


Corrrs|iDnbnut  in  relation  to  tl;t  sanif. 


NEW-YORK: 

HOT.MAX.  OUAY  A  CO  .  T'RTNTKnS,  COR    CENTRE  AND  WHITE  STnEKlJ* 


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V  • 


!! 


INTRODUCTION. 


,3 


3 


As  it  may,  at  some  future  time,  be  of  importance  to  have  on  record  a 
narrative  of  the  circumstance  connected  with  the  establishment  of  a  Theo- 
logical Institution  by  the  Baptists  of  Canada ;  and  as  it  seems  necessary  to 
give  some  explanation  of  the  circumstances  out  of  which  the  address  and 
reply  here  published,  have  grown ;  a  statement  of  the  action  of  the  Kcgular 
Baptist  5Il8sionary  Society  of  Canada,  of  the  committee  of  that  Society, 
and  of  the  subscribers  to  the  endowment  fund  in  the  matter  is  here  sub- 
joined. 

At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Society,  held  in  Toronto,  October  12th, 
1852,  a  commi'^^'ij  on  ministerial  education,  consisting  of  Messrs.  Gilmour, 
Inglis,  Pyper,  Duncan,  Miller,  and  McCord,  made  a  report,  in  which  they 
recommended  that  "  steps  be  immediately  taken  to  procure  an  endowment 
for  a  Theological  Institution  ;"  and  that  Dr.  Maclay  should  be  requested 
to  undertake  a  tour  of  the  churches,  with  a  view  to  procure  subscriptions 
to  such  an  endowment.  The  Secretary  of  the  Society  was  instructed  to 
communicate  with  Dr.  Maclay ;  and  a  committee  was  appointed  to  carry 
out  the  recommendation  of  the  report. 

In  conformity  with  these  appointments  the  following  letters  were  ex- 
changed. 


Hamilton,  October  \Sth,  1852. 

Eev.  Dr.  Maclay— My  Dear  Sir  : — At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Reg. 
Bap.  Missionary  Society  of  Canada,  it  was  suggested  that  you  might  be  in- 
duced to  devote  a  short  time  to  raise  an  endowment  for  a  Tlicological 
School  in  the  province.  The  suggestion  was  recovved  with  great  hiterest, 
piidit  was  unnniniouslv  airreod  to  solicit  vou  to  set  aside  vour  earliest  con- 
venient  period  for  this  purpose.  I  will  say  nothing  of  the  importance  of 
the  object,  but  I  maybe  allowed  to  say  that  you  can  accomplisli,  probably, 
what  no  man  living  can  in  securing  it ;  and  may  here  erect  a  monument  to 


!• 


your  own  name — and  vlnt  ynu  will  prize  more — ^a  permanent  means  of 
benefiting  the  cimrch  of  God. 

If  you  accede  to  our  request,  and  name  a  time  when  you  may  enter  the 
province,  a  committee  of  friends  will  meet  you  and  make  arrangements  for 
your  comfort  and  convenience  iii  making  a  tour  of  the  churclies.  With 
much  respect  and  affection,  I  am,  yours,  fraternally, 

James  Inglis, 
Cor.  Sec.  of  II.  B.  Missionary  Society. 


New  Yoniif  November  1,  IS52. 

My  Dear  Brother. — On  niy  return  to  this  city  from  a  tour  tlirough 
the  Provinces  of  New  Brunswick  and  Nova  Scotia,  I  found  your  letter  of 
the  18th  of  last  month.  My  knowledge  of  the  interests  of  the  Baptist  de- 
nomiuatiou  in  Canada,  in  part  derived  from  personal  observation,  long  ago 
impressed  upon  my  mind  the  conviction  how  much  tliose  interests  would  be 
promoted  by  the  establishment  and  maintenance  among  yourselves  of  an 
Institution  for  ministerial  education ;  while  the  sacrifices  heretofore  made 
to  procure  one,  as  well  as  your  present  letter,  furnish  gratifying  proof  that 
this  want  is  appreciated. 

During  the  present  year,  I  received  a  similar  application  from  brethren 
in  Mississippi,  to  aid  them  in  endowing  Clinton  College,  in  that  State.  The 
Board  of  the  Bible  Union,  to  whom  the  invitation  was  rv  '.-rrcd,  reluctant- 
ly decided  it  was  inexpedient  for  me  to  accept  it  in  view  of  some  pressing 
and  unfulfilled  engngcments.  Tlicy  have  in  the  present  instance  consented 
tiiat  I  postpone  a  promised  visit  to  Kentucky,  and,  I  therefore,  accept  your 
invitation,  and  shall,  God  willing,  be  in  Canada  in  the  course  of  thcensu. 
ing  week.  I  fear,  however,  that  you  overrate  tlie  value  of  any  services  I 
can  render,  but  such  as  they  are  shall  be  given  gratuitously,  and  let  me 
add  a  donation  of  $100  towards  the  undertakinff. 

Affectionately,  yours,        A.  Maci.ay. 


I 

•I. 


i 


The  committee  appointed  to  carry  out  the  recommendations  of  the  Re- 
port on  Education,  met  at  Hamilton,  C.  W.,  on  Nov.  11,  185;^.     Dr. 

Maelay  was  present,  and  he  expressed  his  readiness  to  proceed  at  once  on 
his  mission  to  the  churches.  The  necessary  arrangements  for  his  journey 
were  made,  and  terms  of  subscription  were  adopted,  in  which  it  was  pro- 
vided, that  the  money  subscribed  was  to  be  applied  strictly  as  a  permanent 
endowment ;  and  that  no  subscription  should  bo  held  binding  if  les  than 
five  thousand  pounds  be  subscribed.  It  was  also  provided  that  a  meeting 
of  subscribers  should  be  "held  at  Toronto,  on  Wednesday,  January  19. 


f 


t  means  of 

ly  enter  the 
foments  for 
iies.    With 

NGLIS, 

Society. 


1,  1852. 

xr  tlirough 
ir  letter  of 
Baptist  dc- 
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jlves  of  an 
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proof  that 

n  brethren 
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LC  pressing 
consented 
ecept  your 
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ind  let  me 

Iaclay. 


)f  the  Re. 

So2.     Dr. 

i 

it  once  on 

1 

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was  pro- 

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1 

a  meeting 

ii 

.nuary  19. 


1853,  to  organize  an  Educational  Society  for  the  establishment,  regulation, 
and  maintenance  of  .<?aid  Theological  School." 

Dr.  Maclay  visited  the  churches  in  the  western  section  of  the  province, 
so  far  as  the  severity  of  the  season  would  permit,  and  was  everywhere  met 
with  the  greatest  cordiality.  Tlie  liberality  of  many  of  the  churches  far 
exceeded  tlic  most  sanguine  expectations  of  the  friends  of  the  enterprise ; 
and  before  the  day  appointed  for  the  meeting  of  subscribers,  the  amount 
subscribed  far  exceeded  the  stipulated  sum,  though  a  large  number  of 
churches  had  not  been  canvassed. 

On  the  19th  of  January,  1853,  according  to  appointment,  the  subscri- 
bers met  at  Toronto;  when  3Ir.  Wilkinson  was  chosen  to  preside.  Dr. 
Maclay  made  a  verbal  report  of  his  tour,  and  .stated  that  be  had  through 
the  blessing  of  God  obtained  .subscriptions,  amounting  to  nearly  £G000. 

A  Society  was  organized  under  the  designation  of  the  "  Hegular  Baptist 
Tlicological  Educati<m  of  Canada,"  to  con.^Ist  of  all  donors  of  twenty Tive 
pounds  and  upwards,  and  of  the  representatives  of  associations  of  donors 
of  nmallcr  sums  amounting  to  twenty-five  pounds.  Tlie  constitution  of  the 
Society  provides  tliat  the  committee  of  management  .shall  invest  money  re- 
ceived for  the  endowment  of  a  Theological  School,  in  real  or  provincial 
securities,  or  in  securities  under  ilic  consolidated  municipal  loan  fund  act 
only ;  that  no  portion  of  the  endowment  shall  be  used  except  for  the  pro- 
duction of  income,  and  that  any  party  guilty  of  contravening  thus  this  pro- 
vision shall  bo  personally  liable  for  any  loss  sustained  by  the  endowment. 

The  chairs  in  *'ie  Theological  School  are  to  be  tilled  by  a  special  com- 
mittee, consisting  of  the  President,  Treasurer  and  Secretary  for  the  time 
being,  and  four  other  members  of  the  Society  at  a  general  meeting  of  the 
Society,  especially  called  for  the  purpose. 

The  tlilrteenth  article  of  the  constitution  provides  that  « the  Theologi- 
cal School  for  which  the  endowment  has  been  originated  shall  be  called  and 
known  by  the  name  of  "  Maclay  College."  The  College  is  located  at 
Toronto. 

Before  the  close  of  the  meeting  Dr.  3Iaclay  was  invited  to  assume  the 
charge  of  the  department  of  Theology  in  the  College,  and  an  address  was 
adopted,  which  with  a  reply  to  it,  is  here  .subjoined. 

The  following  are  the  office-bearers  of  the  Society  for  the  present  year  : 

President — Rev.  James  Pypcr,  D.  D. 

Vice- r residents— 3 Vidoh  Beam,  Esq.,  Rer.  George  J.  Ryerson,  Rev. 
Robert  Boyd,  Rev.  Abram  Duncan,  Rev.  William  Wilkinson. 

Treasurer — William  3IcMaster,  Es(|. 

Secretary — David  Buchan,  Esq. 

Other  Members  of  Committee— Raw  A.  Maclay,  D.  D.,  Messrs.  A.  T. 
McCord,  David  Paterson,  Thomas  Lailoy,  William  Burke,  J.  B.  Miller, 
T.  A.  Haines,  Duncan  Bell,  Ales.  Hamilton. 


'Wa^2S2SSEi&^'-:  £J!!i- 


i 


I* 


Toronto,  C.  W,,  Jnnmvy  19, 1853. 
To  THE  Rev.  A.  Mac  lay,  D.  D.  : 

Dear  Brother— We  cannot  i>art  with  you  at  tlic  close  of  your  arduous  toils 
to  secure  an  endowment  for  a  Theological  Institution  in  Canada,  without  express- 
ing our  high  sense  of  your  services,  and  our  gratitude  to  you  under  God,  for  favors 

which  wo  can  never  even  hope  to  repay.  Our  urgent  need  of  such  an  institution 

the  importance  of  its  results  wlien  sccured—tlie  sacrifice  of  case  and  comfort 
which  such  an  undertaking  at  this  season  involved  to  one  of  your  years,  and  the 
mingled  energy,  wisdom,  and  kindness  with  which  you  have  prosecuted  it,  lay  us 
under  deep  obligations. 

It  is  doubly  phasing  to  acknowLdge  obligations  when  esteem  for  a  benefactor 
mingles  with  gratitude  for  benefits  conferred.  We  dwell  with  thankfulness 
upon  the  grace  of  God  which  crowns  your  life  of  devoted  and  successful  activity 
with  an  old  ago  of  so  rare  nsefuhiess.  We  praise  Ilis  Holy  Name  for  all  he  has 
done  for  you  and  by  you.  In  the  present  case,  we  cannot  but  chcris',  the  hope 
that  what  has  been  so  well  begun,  will  be  happily  conducted  to  the  glory  of  God 
and  the  welfare  of  Canada.  But  be  this  as  it  may,  you  may  well  reflect  with 
satisfaction  on  your  share  in  it.  .ind  we  rejoice  %vith  you  in  the  confidence  that 
your  labor  shall  not  be  in  vain  in  the  Lord. 

^V  hen  you  leave  the  Province,  our  love,  gratitude,  and  prayers  will  follow  you. 
When  you  are  gone,  we  will  endeavor  to  cherish  the  memory  of  your  example 
and  counsels.  We  shall  often  recall  the  happiness  which  your  visits  have  shed 
over  our  homes,  and  the  instruction  as  well  as  pleasure  of  our  social  intercourse. 
Your  progress  through  our  churches  has  boon  attended  with  a  salutary  and  ele- 
vating influence  which  will  not  soon  be  exhausted.  The  glorious  gospel  you 
have  proclaimed  from  our  pulpits  cannot  be  as  water  spilt  upon  the  ground ; 
and  yotir  advocacy  of  the  cause  of  a  pure  Bible  has  left  impressions  which  can- 
not be  effaced. 

If  we  add  anything  to  our  fervent  prayer  that  Cod  may  Idess  you,  it  is  to 
express  our  unanimous  desire  that  God,  in  his  providence,  may  lead  you  back  to 
spend  the  remainder  of  your  days,  in  carrying  out  amongst  us  the  objects  contem- 
plated in  the  Institution  which  you  have  been  instrumental  in  originating. 

On  behalf  of  the  Subscribers, 

WILLIAM  WILKINSON,  Chairman. 


n 


Kcsn 


rjr  19, 1853. 

'  arduous  toils 
thoutexpress- 
jod,  for  favors 
n  institution — 
i  and  comfort 
years,  and  the 
mtcd  it,  lay  us 

r  a  benefactor 

thankfulness 
essfu!  activitv 
for  all  he  has 
?ris',  the  hope 
'  glory  of  God 
II  reflect  with 
aifuknce  that 

ill  follow  you. 
jour  exanjplc 
<its  have  shed 
i\  intercourse, 
itary  and  ele- 
s  gospel  you 
the  ground; 
IS  which  can- 

I  you,  it  is  to 
I  yon  back  to 
yccts  contcm- 
inatlng. 

Chafrman. 


•  r 


% 


DR.  MACLAY'S  REPLY. 


Beloved  Brethren  :— My  duties  as  an  agent  of  the  American  Bible  Union, 
involving  continual  change  of  abode,  and  unavoidable  delay  in  procuring  an  an- 
swer to  some  enquiries,  compcUed  me  to  postpone  replying  at  an  earlier  date  to 
your  kind  communication,  presented  to  me  on  the  eve  of  my  departure  from 

Canada. 

The  signature  of  your  chairman  represents  to  ray  mind  many  esteemed  chris- 
tian friends  whose  hospitalities  and  counsels  I  have  shared,  and  to  whoso  elli- 
cient  cooperation,  under  God,  is  attributable  the  success  which  has  already 
crowned  the  effort  to  endow  a  Theological  Institution  of  the  Baptist  denomina- 
tion in  your  province. 

Not  a  stranger  to  the  liberality  of  the  Canadian  churches,  I  was  yet  unpre- 
pared for  theii  prompt  response  to  the  claims  which  this  object  has  upon  them, 
and  the  appreciation  of  its  importance  everywhere  exhibited. 

The  number  of  those  who  have  become  interested  in  the  effort  even  more  than 
the  amount  contributed  is  worthy  of  observation. 

It  implies  a  right  public  sentiment  in  regard  to  the  voluntary  principle,  and  a 
just  confidence  in  its  power  to  accomplish  all  that  the  best  friends  of  ministerial 
education  in  the  province  could  reasonably  desire.  Let  me  in  this  connection 
remark  that  the  voluntary  support  of  religion  is  the  best  dependence  for  every 
denomination  in  North  America.  In  "  the  support  of  religion  "  I  include  a  suita- 
ble provision  for  pastors  and  the  education  of  their  successors ;  the  necessary 
current  expense  of  the  active,  the  decaying  and  the  growing  ministry  of  the 
gospel. 

The  experience  of  the  Congregationalists  of  New  England,  and  the  Episcopa- 
lians of  Virginia,  who  formerly  had  the  power  of  supporting  their  religion  by  a 
tax  on  the  property  of  the  people  has  proved  to  their  entire  satisfaction,  the  truth 
of  the  principle  stated.  These  churches  have  prospered  under  the  voluntary  sys- 
tem far  beyond  all  their  former  experience.  Not  only  are  their  church  edifices 
better  built  and  kept,  and  their  clergy  better  paid,  but  they  have  built  and  en- 
dowed schools  and  colleges  of  the  highest  order  for  the  education  of  successors 


8 


r 


I  . 


\  1; 


II 


SI 


II 


to  their  pastors,  and  for  tho  propagation  of  their  faith  and  poh'ty  throughout  tlio 
world. 

WhcrcTcr  tho  lands  of  a  State  or  colony  are  free  from  all  church  burdens, 
and  free  from  pcri>ctual  entailments  and  leases,  fho  nrosjicrity  of  a  sober  and 
Industrious  people— as  all  denominations  of  Christians  are— is  ulvrays  suftlcient 
for  tho  voluntary  and  liberal  support  of  their  religion.  It  is  so,  because,  to  say 
nothing  of  the  higher  and  holier  motives  by  which  the  tnie  disciples  of  the  Lord 
are  actuated,  they  can  secure  a  higher  prosperity  over  and  above  this  voluntary 
tax,  than  they  can  possibly  get  without  it.  Placing  it  on  the  lowcs*  ground,  far 
1)cncath  that  which  you  will  bo  content  to  occupy,  tho  conservative  and  econom- 
ical power  of  their  religion  over  themselves  and  their  cliildren  is  worth  more 
than  its  cost.  No  other  appropriation  is  more  sure  of  a  return  with  increase 
than  that  which  is  cheerfully  and  freely  invested  in  the  support  of  their  chosen 
and  trusted  church. 

The  tendency  of  all  things  on  this  continent  leans  powerfully  toward  the  clear- 
ing of  tho  soil  from  all  fixed  burdens,  wluther  church  rates,  or  church  rents,  or 
church  exemptions  from  taxes,  or  legal  obstacles  to  alienation  by  tho  parties  in 
present  ownership.  This  tendency  is  folt  in  the  provinces ;  it  will  be  felt  moro 
and  more  until  every  vestige  of  a  church  claim  on  the  products  of  lahor  applied 
to^  the  soil  will  be  brushed  away;  and  the  last  hope  of  the  ministry  for  support 
will  fix  itself  again  where  it  finjt  dawned— in  the  free-will  olFerings  of  tho 
people  who  have  one  faitli  and  one  baptism. 

I  rejoice  with  you  in  the  near  prospect  there  is  of  a  successful  termination  of 
the  long  and  arduous  struggle  which  the  fricnils  of  r.-ligioug  liberty  have  main- 
tained in  Canada,  againsf  the  f-rasping  clergy  of  the  established  churches ;  and 
against  the  assumed  zeal  of  tliose  who  have  entertained  the  project  of  using  tho 
ministers  of  religion  as  a  rural  police,  and  instruments  of  raisgovernmcnt.  i  re- 
gard it  as  a  happy  circumstance  that  at  tliis  juncture,  when  the  secularization 
of  the  clergy  reserves  occupies  the  public  nilnd,  you  should  have  come  forward 
with  ihis  practical  expression  of  your  conviction,  that  it  is  the  true  wisdom  and 
interest  of  each  denomination  of  Christians  to  rely  entirely  upon  the  voluntary 
principle  for  the  support  of  all  its  institutions.  In  the  zeal  and  energy  with 
which  you  sustain  this  movement,  let  it  be  seen  that  the  principle  is  adcqtialc  to 
the  end— your  example  will  not  be  lost  upon  others.  Should  some  remnants  of 
the  old  spirit  of  beggarly  dependence  in  some  churches  survive,  when  the  clergy 
reserves  are  rescued  from  them,  tliey  will  become  ashamed  to  live  at  the  public 
expense  j  or  will  soon  become  too  weak  to  enforce  such  a  living. 

Your  address  furnishes  me  with  en  opportunity  of  submitting  to  your  consid- 
eration, a  few  plain  and  practical  thoughts  on  the  nature  of  the  enterprise  in 
which  you  are  associated ;  and  some  information  which  I  trust  may  be  useful  in 
its  management  and  furtherance. 

Before  proceeding  with  the  remarks  which  I  have  to  offer  on  the  various  con- 
siderations which  lend  an  interest  to  this  movement,  it  may  be  instructive  to 
glance  at  what  has  been  accomplished  by  others,  in  a  department  of  religious 
activity  which  we,  as  a  denomination,  have  too  long  neglected.  During  my 
brief  sojourn  in  Canada  last  winter,  I  took  occasion  to  acquaint  myself  in  "somo 
measure  with  the  state  of  its  Institutions  of  general  and  theological  learning ; 


« 


0 


roughout  tlio 

ick  burdciu^ 
a  sober  and 
lys  suftlciont 
ratisc,  to  say 
of  the  Lord 
is  Toluntury 
*  ground,  far 
ind  cconom- 
n-orth  more 
ith  incroaso 
their  chosen 

rd  the  clcar- 
•ch  rents,  or 
10  parties  in 
iic  fult  more 
i')or  applied 
for  support 
ngs  of  the 

inination  of 
have  inain- 
irchcsj  and 
>f  using  tho 
;cnt.  i  rc- 
;uIarization 
no  forward 
lisJom  and 
)  voluntary 
nergy  with 
wlcqtiatc  to 
emnaHts  of 
the  clergy 
the  public 

5ur  consid- 
iterpriso  in 
)C  useful  in 

arioui?  con- 
tructive  to 
»f  religious 
)uring  my 
If  in  some 
!  learning ; 


i  and  am  happy  to  record  my  favorable  imprcsaions.  In  the  provision  made  for 
general  education  there  is  much  that  is  commendable  and  promisir^.  Th« 
common  school  la^r  of  Canada  West  is  a  wise  measure,  energetically  adminis* 
tercd  and  in  successful  operation.  Tho  attendance  at  tho  common  schools, 
amounting  to  about  two-thirds  of  all  tho  children  of  school-age,  is  a  most  grati- 
fying fact.  And  I  am  persuaded  tliat  the  manner  in  which  Canadian  schools 
are  conducted,  will  compare  well  with  the  schools  of  most  of  the  States  of 
America. 

Indeed  I  know  of  no  community  who  have  practically  manifested  more  inter> 
est  io  the  subject  of  common  school  education  than  Upper  Canada. 

The  reports  for  tho  last  year  show  3,749  schools  with  an  attendance  of  200,- 
000  scholars — a  result  which,  consirlering  the  number  of  townships  but  recently 
ll        settled,  and  the  diflicultics  incident  to  such  a  condition,  compares  favorably  with 
any  similar  effort  in  any  of  tho  United  States. 

It  is  stated  by  your  Chief  Superintendent,  and  I  presume  the  statement  is  a 
correct  one,  that  the  people  voluntarily  taxctl  tlicmsclvesfor  the  salaries  of  teach- 
ers, in  a  larger  sum  in  proportion  to  their  numbers,  and  have  kept  open  their 
^         schools,  on  an  average,  more  months  than  the  citizens  of  the  State  of  New  York, 

The  efforts  in  several  of  the  cities,  towns  and  larger  villages,  to  bring  a  good 
education  within  tho  reach  of  all  classes,  arc  worthy  of  the  most  enliglitcned 
communities  on  this  continent.  The  Normal  school,  conducted  in  a  building 
worthy  of  the  object,  under  able  professors,  and  possessed  of  the  best  apparatus, 
must  Hpcedily  make  its  inllucncc  felt  in  elevating  t!tc  character  of  schools,  even 
in  retired  localities. 

This  enlightened  activity  on  the  part  of  the  friends  of  secular  education,  will 
prove  a  stiuiulus  to  the  friends  of  Theological  education  j  while  the  effects  of 
that  activity  in  raising  the  standard  of  general  intelligence,  ought  to  impn  s-:  ns 
with  a  sense  of  increasing  obligation  to  advance  the  literary  qualifications  of 
those  who  arc  to  bo  the  future  advocates  of  Divine  Truth. 

The  condition  of  the  higher  class  of  schools  and  of  Colleges,  I  had  inot  the 
same  opportunity  of  examining  fir  myself.  From  tho  statements  of  others,  I 
gather  that  much  yet  remains  to  bo  done  to  perfect  the  means  of  what  is  called 
classical  education.  The  history  of  the  Provincial  Unix'crsity  is  too  intricate  and 
involved  to  be  followed  by  a  stranger.  I  found  it,  however,  possessing  a  magnifi- 
cent endowment — and  so  far  as  I  could  ascertain  the  prospective  arrangement  of 
its  afluirs.  there  seems  reason  to  hope  that  the  endowment  will  be  wisely  admin- 
istered. The  experience  of  the  United  States  clearly  shews  the  great  dilTiculty 
of  rendering  a  State  College  or  University  efficient ;  but  that  experience  may 
I  be  serviceable  to  Canada,  in  shewing  tho  errors  to  be  shunned.  Foremost 
amongst  them  will  be  found  the  introduction  of  denominational  rivalries  into  its 
management. 

I  may  be  permitted  to  express  the  hope  that,  however  the  benefits  of  that 
endowment  may  be  distributed,  no  dread  of  centralization  and  no  sectarian  or 
local  jealousies,  may  be  permitted  to  obstruct  the  endeavor  to  perfect  the  organ- 
ization of  the  Toronto  University  as  a  great  National  Institution.  This  is 
important,  not  only  for  the  service  it  '^ill  render  to  the  youth  who  may  bo 


1.0 


111 


,  m 

1  m 


I 


ini=;tructecl  within  its  walls  ;  but  also  for  its  influence  in  keeping  up  the  standard 
of  literary  attainment — an  influence  which  ought  vo  be  felt,  not  only  over  affili- 
ated and  independent  colleges,  but  which  may  reach  Upwn  even  to  the  country 

school. 

The  Baptists  of  Canada  have  wisely  determined  that  it  is  better  for  them  to 
embrace  the  advantages  offered  by  public  literary  Institutions,  than  to  attempt 
to  establish  such  Institutions  of  their  own.  Whatever  may  be  our  several 
opinions  as  to  the  propriety  of  religious  bodies  engaging  in  such  enterprises, 
there  can  be  but  one  opinion  as  to  the  duty  of  sustaining  a  public  Institution,  so 
far  as  it  is  worthy  of  support.  Other  things  being  equal,  our  youth  will  gain  in 
enlargement  of  mind  and  views,  by  receiving  a  liberal  education,  free  from  the 
bias  and  the  contracted  associations  of  any  sect. 

This  notice  oi  general  education  will  not  be  regarded  as  entirely  aside  from 
our  purpose,  but  our  more  immediate  concern  is  with  Institutions  designed  to 
promote  Ministerial  Education.  My  late  tour  scarcely  extended  below  Toronto, 
and  I  can  only  speak  of  the  efforts  of  those  denominations  who  have  located  their 
Institutions  in  that  city.  I  have  great  plea .'  ure  in  speaking  of  these  three — Knox's 
College,  the  Theological  Hall  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  and  the  Con- 
gregational Theological  Institute.  The  brethren  who  preside  in  these  Institutions 
are,  indeed,  worthy  of  the  confidence  of  the  bodies  with  which  they  arc  con- 
nected, and  the  fruits  of  their  labors  will  soon  be  abundantly  reaped. 

I  am  hapi^y  to  be  able  to  lay  before  you  seme  particulars  of  the  present  con- 
dition of  each  of  them,  from  communications  with  which  I  am  favored  from  their 
several  Professors ;  and  I  know  of  no  way  in  which  I  can  better  convey  to  your 
minds  information  regarding  the  nature  of  the  work  that  remains  to  be  done  by 
us. 

The  first  of  these  communications  possesses  a  peculiar  interest  to  me,  from  the 
fact  that  it  was  from  the  lips  of  Dr.  Willis'  liithcr  that  I  heard,  sixty  years  ago, 
the  exhibition  of  the  gospel  which  first  brought  the  peace  of  God  to  my  troubled 
heart.  I  have  the  satisfaction  of  acknowledging  to  ttic  son  the  gratitude  I  owed 
to  the  father,  whom  I  never  saw  either  before  or  since  I  listened  to  the  sermon 
which  God  blessed  to  my  enlightenment, 

KNOX'S   COLLEGE. 

Knox's  College  is  the  Theological  School  of  the  Presbyicrian  Church  of 
Canada,  or  that  portion  of  the  Presbyterian  community  which  separated  from 
the  communion  of  the  Established  Church  of  Scotland  in  1844,  the  year  follow- 
ing the  disruption  in  Scotland.  The  Church  in  Canada,  though  alTiliated  with 
the  Free  Church,  is  independent  in  its  organization,  and  equally  holds  commu- 
nion with  the  general  assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  Ireland.  Provi- 
sion is  made  for  the  preliminary  training  of  students  having  the  study  of 
Theology  in  view.  Prof.  Esson  has,  from  the  time  of  the  institution  of  the 
College,  taught  the  preparatory  classes  of  literature  and  philosophy,  assisted 
occasionally  by  an  additional  tutor.  Since  the  University  of  Toronto  was  re- 
modelled or  divested  of  its  sectarian  character,  the  youths  proposing  to  study 
for  the  ministry  at  Knox's  College,  are  permitted  or  encouraged  to  attend  such 
of  the  University  classes  as  are  adapted  to  their  capacities  and  tastes— or  whose 
arrangements  consist  with  their  opportunities  for  giving  attendance. 


11 


ip  the  standard 
3nly  over  affili- 
to  the  country 

cr  for  them  to 
iian  to  attempt 
be  our  several 
ch  enterprises, 
■:  Institution,  so 
nth  will  gain  in 
,  free  from  the 

rely  aside  from 
ns  designed  to 
below  Toronto, 
ve  located  their 
three—Knox's 
I,  and  the  Con- 
2se  Institutions 
they  arc  con- 
)od. 

le  present  con- 
orcd  from  their 
convey  to  your 
1  to  be  done  by 

;o  me,  from  tho 
ixty  years  ago, 
to  my  troubled 
atitudc  I  owed 
to  the  sermon 


an  Church  of 
separated  from 
be  year  follow- 
ainiiated  with 

holds  coramu- 
eland.    Provi- 

the  study  of 
:itution  of  the 
soph}'^,  assisted 
)ronto  was  re- 
using to  study 
to  attend  such 
stcs— or  whose 
ice. 


Dr.  Willis  has  been  the  Theological  Professor  since  1847,  and  has  had  charge 
of  the  various  departments  of  Systematic  Theology,  and  sometime  of  Biblical 
Criticism ;  though  in  the  latter  department  and  in  Church  History,  arrange- 
ments have  been  made  by  which  others  have  relieved  him  of  a  part  of  his  labor. 
A  separate  chair  was  for  some  years  indeed  sustained  in  the  department  of  Bib- 
lical Criticism,  though  financial  considerations  induced  the  discontinuance  of  it. 

The  students  have  gradually  increased  in  numbers  from  six,  eight  or  ten  to 
fort}'  or  fifty.  The  average  number  for  the  last  three  years  nay  be  stated  at 
about  forty,  including  the  preparatory  classes.  The  theological  students  proper, 
may  have  averaged  during  these  years  18.  Taking  the  last  six  years  together, 
the  Institution  has  prepared  for  service  as  preachers  of  the  gospel  near  thirty  in- 
dividuals. A  few  who  had  made  some  progress  in  their  preparation,  died  or  left 
for  other  countries,  or  joined  other  denominations.  Very  few  indeed,  have  aban- 
doned their  design  of  following  the  profession  of  ministers  of  the  gospel,  especial- 
ly of  those  who  had  entered  the  Divinity  Hall.  In  rarer  instances  still  has  ex- 
pulsion been  necessary. 

A  considerable  librarj'  is  attached  to  the  Institution,  say  near  4000  vols.  A 
large  portion  of  this  collection  was  obtained  in  the  parent  countries  by  Dr.  Willis, 
and  a  still  larger  portion  was  brought  out  by  Dr.  Burns,  minister  of  Knox's 
Church,  who  temporarily  taught  the  students  before  a  professor  of  theology  was 
appointed,  and  who  has  since  assisted  during  several  sessions  in  the  department 
of  Church  Ilistorj',  During  the  last  session  that  duty  has  devolved  on  the  min- 
ister of  the  Second  Presbyterian  church. 

The  Institution  har>  no  endowment  except  what  it  derives  from  the  annual  col- 
lections or  subscriptions  made  throughout  the  various  presbyteries  of  the  church, 
to  meet  its  annual  expenditure.  The  erection  of  suitable  premises  is  contem- 
plated. 

The  students  have  cheap  board  provided  for  them.  Though  the  alternative  is 
left  to  them  of  boarding  out.  or  in  the  premises  engaged  expressl}'-  for  the  purpose. 
The  students  receive  their  education  gratuitously,  except  some  trifling  charges. 
But  the  more  advanced  students  are  supposed  to  be  available  for  the  service  of 
the  church  as  catechists,  in  return  for  their  gratuitous  training.  Most  of  the  Di- 
vinity students  are  employed  in  this  way  during  the  summer,  receiving  such 
maintenance  among  the  people  whose  religious  services  they  conduct  in  the  ab- 
sence of  regular  pastors,  as  is  presumed  to  meet  their  winter's  expenses  in  board- 
ing in  the  city. 

The  sessional  term  each  year  is  six  months,  commencing  in  October  and  end- 
ing in  April. 

The  next  communication  furnishes  an  account  of  the  Congregational  Theologi- 
cal Institute.    It  is  from  tho  pen  of  Prof.  Lillie. 

CONGREGATIONAL   THEOLOGICAL   INSTITUTE. 

This  Institute  had  its  commencment  about  15  years  ago,  by  Mr.  Cribs,  now  our 
Indian  missionarj^,  being  placed  under  my  instruction  while  pastor  of  the  church 
in  Braulford,  by  th-  Colonial  Missionary  Society,  in  connection  with  the  Con- 
gregational Union  oi  England  and  Wales.  Shortly  after.  I  removed  to  Dundas, 
where  I  spent  something  over  a  year,  preaching  there  and  in  the  neighborhood. 


12 


.1 


and  teaching?  the  students  who  had  then  increased  to  five.  In  September,  1840, 
we  removed  to  Toronto,  since  which  time  I  have  been  devoted  entirely  to  my  tu- 
torial engagements.  Our  average  number  of  students  since  coming  here  has  been 
eight  or  thereabouts. 

The  course  of  instruction  was  at  first  three  years,  the  session  being  nine  months 
in  length.  It  is  now  four,  and  has  been  so  for  six  or  seven  years.  Till  within 
the  last  four  years  the  entire  work  of  instruction  devolved  on  me,  but  we  have 
now  a  classical  and  Hebrew  tutor — a  gentleman  of  high  repute  as  a  scholar, 
who  takes  charge  of  these  departments.  For  some  time  previous  to  Mr.  Wick- 
son's  appointment,  I  was  assisted  in  the  classical  department  by  some  of  the  more 
advanced  pupils? 

imiTED  PRESBYTEEIAir  THEOLOGICAL  HAIL. 

The  Theological  Hall  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  in  Canada,  lias 
been  several  years  in  successful  operation.  It  was  established  at  London,  C,  "W., 
under  the  care  of  Professor  Proudfoot,  a  man  of  massire  intellect  and  solid 
worth,  who  has  gone  to  the  grave,  not  without  appreciation  by  a  limited  circle 
of  friends  and  admirers,  but  without  leaving  an  impression  of  his  powers  in  the 
wider  sphere  for  which  nature  fitted  him.  On  the  modification  of  the  charter 
of  the  Provincial  University,  it  was  thought  desirable  to  chant:,e  the  location  of 
the  Hall  from  London  to  Toronto.  The  death  of  jMr.  Proudfoot  occasioned  an 
interruption  of  its  studies,  but  a  highly  accomplished  Professor  has  at  length 
been  secured  in  the  person  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Tavlor.  His  appointment  is  too 
recent  to  enable  me  to  furnish  a  complete  view  of  the  present  state  or  prospects 
of  the  Institution  over  which  he  presides.  The  following  brief  sketch  of  the 
curriculum  is  upon  the  authority  of  the  Rev.  J.  Hogg,  of  Hamilton,  C.  W.  He 
sayp :  '*  Nothing  but  a  very  general  curriculum  has  as  j-et  been  sanctioned  by  the 
Synod,  ]^Llny  of  the  students  have  studied  for  two  or  three  years  in  the  col- 
leges of  Great  Fiitain  or  the  United  States  before  ent^i'lng  on  their  theological 
course  ;  but  this  has  not  been  deemed  obligatory. 

Qualifications  rsquired  before  entering  the  Hall. — A  correct 
knowledge  of  the  English  language ;  a  rudimentary  knowledge  of  the  Latin  and 
Greek  languages,  so  far  as  it  involves  an  ability  to  read  and  parse  Sallust  and 
the  Gospel  according  to  St,  John.  The  elements  of  Hebrew  grammar  are  also 
required.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  several  Presbyteries  to  exaL.ine  students  ;  ascei^ 
tain  that  they  possess  these  requirements,  and  furnish  them  with  a  certificate  to 
enter  the  Hall. 

Course  or  Studv  in  the  Hall.— The  Hall  continues  eleven  weeks  in 
the  year,  in  Toronto.  Every  student  requires  to  study  there  at  least  four 
years.  The  Professor,  Dr.  John  Taylor,  teaches  Languages,  Theology,  and* 
Church  History ;  and  as  no  course  of  study  has  been  matured  and  sanctioned 
by  the  Synod,  tlie  Professor  is  left  entirely  to  follow  out  his  own  plan.  In  The- 
ology, the  text-book  has  been  Dick's  Theology. 

Knowledge  required  before  oirrAiNtNo  License  to  Preach, — The 
ability  to  read  Virgil's  yEneid  in  Latin,  and  the  New  Testament,  ad  aperturam 
libriin  Greek;  a  thorough  knowledge  of  Dick's  Lectures  on  Theology,  and  a 
general  knowledge  of  Church  History  and  the  Hebrew  language. 


I 


cptcmbcr,  1840, 
tircly  to  my  tu- 
ig  here  has  been 

ing  nine  months 
s.  Till  within 
c,  but  we  have 
te  as  a  schohir, 
s  to  Mr.  Wick- 
>me  of  tlic  more 


n  Canada,  has 
London,  C,  "W., 
cllect  and  solid 
u  limited  circle 
s  powers  in  the 
of  the  charter 
!  the  location  of 
t  occasioned  an 
has  at  length 
lointment  is  too 
ito  or  prospects 
f  sketch  of  the 
ton,  C.  W.     lie 
nctioned  by  the 
cars  in  the  col- 
heir  theological 

I. — A  correct 
if  the  Latin  and 
rse  SalUist  and 
am  mar  are  also 
tudcnts ;  ascei^ 
t  a  certificate  to 

even  weeks  in 
e  at  least  four 
Theology,  and* 
and  sanctioned 
plan.    In  The- 

pREACfi, — ^The 

,  ad  aperturam 
'hcology,  and  a 


13 

Besides  the  classics  and  Hebrew,  to  wh'ch  a  considerable  amount  of  attention 
is  given,  our  course  embraces  Systematic  Theology,  Uiblical  Criticism  and  Inter- 
pretation, Evidences,  Ilomilctics,  Ecclesiastical  History,  and  Mental  and  Moial 
Pliilosophy.  On  these  various  subjects  I  have  written  full  courses  of  lectures. 
about  oOO  in  all,  which  I  am  constantly  doing  my  best  to  improve  and  extend. 

Previous  to  the  reading  of  each  lecture,  I  examine  on  the  preceding  one.  Full 
freedom  is  allowed  the  young  men  for  questioning  or  stating  difTiculties  which 
they  never  abuse,  but  from  which  much  advantage  has  arisen.  An  essay  is 
written  by  each  of  them  weekly,  on  a  subject  prescribed  by  me— -that  of  one  o{ 
•  the  lectures  for  the  week.  These  I  examine  carefully,  pointing  out  what  I  think 
calls  for  alteration.  Before  my  opinion  is  given,  they  arc  submitted  to  the  criti- 
cism of  the  class.  We  have  a  sermon  weekly,  and  four  plans  of  sermons  which 
arc  also  submitted  to  general  criticism.  This  system  I  have  found  productive  of 
great  good.  Along  with  the  most  entire  freedom  the  most  perfect  courtesy  has 
always  been  maintained. 

The  subjects  to  which  special  attention  is  given,  are  Theology  and  Ecclesiasti- 
cal History.  The  amount  of  attention  given  to  mental  and  moral  philosophy  is 
also  considerable.  This  study  I  have  found  eminently  useful  as  a  means  of  men- 
tal drilling. 

For  a  short  time  a  distinct  Institution  was  maintained  in  Montreal,  under  the 
care  of  Drs.  Carruthers  and  Wilkes.  But  on  the  removal  of  the  former  of  these 
gentlemen  to  Scotland,  the  two  Institutions  were  merged  into  one. 

The  circumstances  of  the  country,  and  the  full  occupation  of  the  time  of  the 
students,  have  led  us  to  adopt  the  plan  of  fui-nishing  the  young  men  with  board 
and  lodging,  in  addition  to  tuition,  leaving  them  to  find  their  own  books,  clothing, 
tic.  During  the  vacations  they  are  ordinarily  employed  supplying  vacant 
cliurchcs. 

The  expenses  of  the  Institute  are  borne  by  the  Colonial  Missionary  Society, 
and  by  subscriptions  and  collections  from  our  friends  and  churches  here. 

Twenty-eight  brethren  have  finished  their  studies  in  the  Institution,  over  and 
above  several  who  went  out  from  the  Montreal  Institute,  who  are  all.  with  a 
single  exception,  now  engaged  in  the  ministry,  and  all  hf^jig  charges  except 
two,  who  will,  I  hope,  soon  find  them.  Of  these,  two  are  settled  in  the  United 
States,  with  one  of  the  students  from  the  Lower  Institute;  the  rest  arc  all  in 
Canada,  one  excepted,  who  is  stationed  at  Halifax,  Nova  Scotia.  One  of  the 
Montreal  students  is  at  St.  Johns,  New  Brunswick.  The  following  arc  among 
the  places  occupied  hy  them,  beside  those  already  mentioned,  viz: — Montreal, 
Melbourne,  Granby,  Ilusselltown,  Indian  Lands,  Brockvillo,  Lanark,  Kingston. 
Cobourg,  Hamilton,  Simcoe,  Scotland,  Brantford,  Paris,  London,  Warwick,  Port 
Stanley. 

God  has  dealt  very  graciously  in  respect  of  the  character  of  the  young  men 
he  has  given  us ;  and  both  by  the  Society  at  home  and  the  churches  here,  the 
results  are  viewed  as  highly  satisfactory. 

COMPAEATIVE  CXAIHS  CN  BAPTISTS. 
By  reference  to  the  census  of  Canada,  I  find  that  the  Presbyterian  church. 

with  which  the  first  of  these  Institutions  is  connected,  numbers  05.807  of  the 
population  among  its  adherents ;  the  Congregational  body  numbers  7.747. 


14 


M|- 


'    /r 


.  t 


The  proportion  of  the  population  put  down  as  Baptists  is  45,353.  But  we  have 
not  a  fair  view  of  the  relative  need  of  a  Theological  Scliool  in  our  denomination  by 
merely  comparing  its  numbers  with  those  of  these  other  tlenommations.  There 
are  other  important  considerations  which  must  not  be  overlooked.  The  Presby- 
terian church  of  Canada  has  an  ecclesiastical  connection' with  the  Free  church  of 
Scotland,  and  the  Presbyterian  church  in  Ireland.  The  United  Presbyterian 
church  of  Canada  has  a  similar  connection  with  the  United  Presbyterian  church 
in  Scotland.  The  Congregational  body  has  a  missionary  connection  with  the 
Congregational  Union  of  England  and  Wales ;  and  these  connections  may  be 
supposed  to  open  up  the  theological  schools  of  these  several  bodies  at  home,  as 
sources  o*"  supplying  the  churches  in  Canada  with  pastors.  We  have  no  similar 
connection,  and  yet  w^e  have  hitherto  been  without  any  provision  for  minis- 
terial education.  ** 

Again,  our  numbers  cannot  be  recruited  by  emigration  to  an  equal  extent  with 
the  bodies  above  named,  and  consequently  our  churches  cannot  be  so  well  pre- 
pared to  receive  ministers  from,  the  mother  country,  if  they  could  be  obtained.  I 
am  not  in  possession  of  any  statistical  information  regarding  the  proportion  of 
our  church  members  who  have  come  from  Baptist  churches  either  in  England  or 
Other  countries,  but  I  am  persuaded  it  must  be  small  in  proportion  to  the  number 
of  members  of  Presbyterian  and  Congregational  churches  who  have  been  received 
from  the  parent  bodies.  In  other  words,  our  churches  must  be  more  completely 
of  Canadian  origin.  Of  this  much  we  are  certain,  the  numerical  strength  of 
Baptists -at  home  is  not  in  the  same  proportion  to  the  number  of  Baptists  in 
Canada  as  the  number  of  Presbyterians  and  Congrcgationalists  there  bears  to 
their  numbers  in  Canada.  '  The  conclusion  to  which  I  would  lead  you  from  this 
consideration  is,  that  as  our  churches  are  much  more  of  Canadian  origin,  it  be- 
comes all  the  more  important  that  they  should  be  supplied  with  a  native  minis- 
try. If  these  bodies  have  found  it  to  be  their  best  policy  to  train  young  men  in 
the  Province  for  the  ministry  of  the  word,  how  much  more  shall  we  ? 

While  it  seems  surprising  that  such  a  provision  has  been  so  long  neglected,  it 
seems  almost  unaccountable  that  our  increase  should  have  been  so  rapid  as  it  has 
been,  especially  during  the  last  few  years.  That  increase  seems  to  warrant  the 
inference  that  the  public  mind  in  Canada  is  favorably  disposed  towards  Baptist 
principles ;  and  it  furnishes  to  my  mind  the  strongest  argument  in  favor  of  a 
native  ministry,  since  our  faithful  brethren,  without  the  advantages  of  a  theo- 
loo-ical  school,  have  outstripped  the  better  trained  preachers  of  other  denoininil- 
tions,  who  have  been  introduced  from  the  mother  country. 

In  speaking  of  the  want  of  a  Baptist  Theological  Institute,  I  would  not  be 
thought  to  overlook  the  earnest  endeavors  of  those  friend:;  who  sustained  for  a 
time  the  College  at  Montreal.  There  can  be  no  good  reason  for  hesitating  to  do 
justice  to  the  motives  and  services  of  these  brethren,  however  we  may  have  dif- 
fered from  them  in  opinion,  or  to  whatever  cause  we  may  be  disposed  to  .ascribe 
the  failure  of  their  cnterpr'se.  I  should  do  injustice  to  my  own  convictions,  and 
to  them,  if  I  did  not  say,  that  the  history  of  that  Institution  shows  some  noble 
examples  of  Christian  benevolence  on  the  part  of  its  supporters,  both  in  EnglancI 
and  in  Canada.    It  is  due  to  Dr.  Cramp,  also,  who  is  now  presiding  with  dignity 


.** 


15 


J.  But  we  have 
^nomination  by 
nations.  There 
,    ThePresby- 

Free  church  of 
3  Presbyterian 
>ytcrian  cliurch 
iction  with  the 
ections  may  be 
ics  at  home,  as 
liavc  no  similar 
iion  for  ininis- 

ual  extent  with 
be  so  well  pre- 
be  obtained.  I 
e  proportion  of 
r  in  England  or 
I  to  the  number 
re  been  received 
lore  completely 
cal  strength  of 
•  of  Baptists  in 
;  there  bears  to 
d  you  from  this 
m  origin,  it  be- 
a  native  minis- 
n  young  men  in 
we? 

)ng  neglected,  it 
0  rapid  as  it  has 
;  to  warrant  the 
owards  Baptist 
nt  in  favor  of  a 
ages  of  a  theo- 
>thcr  denominil- 

[  would  not  be 
sustained  for  a 
hesitating  to  do 
e  may  have  dif- 
losed  to  ascribe 
convictions,  and 
wa  some  noble 
)oth  in  EnglancJ 
ingwith  dignity 


J 


i 


and  efficiency  over  Acadia  College,  to  say,  that  the  failure  at  Montreal  cannot  bo 
traced  to  incompetency  or  want  of  zeal  on  his  part. 

But,  so  far  as  I  can  learn,  that  movement  was  never  fully  concurred  in  by  the 
great  body  of  Baptists  in  the  Upper  Province.  They  never  regarded  the  Institu- 
tion as  theirs;  nor  although  the  subject  has  been  frequently  approached,  its  im- 
portance acknowledged,  and  some  preliminary  steps  adopted,  has  any  serious  and 
sustained  effort  to  establish  a  seminary  been  engaged  in  by  them  until  now.  We 
may,  consequently  regard  it  as  altogether  a  first  movement  by  the  body ;  and 
as  such  we  may  consider  this  much  as  gained.  The  need  of  such  an  institution, 
and  the  duty  to  establish  it,  is  practically  and  emphatically  acknowledged ;  the 
ability  of  the  body  to  establish  and  sustain  it  is  satisftictorily  demonstrated  j  and 
we  are  strongly  pledged  to  carry  it  into  speedy  and  effective  operation. 

This  much  is  gained,  and  little  more.  We  have  taken  the  first  step.  We  have 
laid  a  foundation  stone,  and  thus  we  stand  committed  to  an  arduous  undertaking, 
to  which  we  may  rest  assured  it  is  necessary  that  we  bring  an  earnest,  perse- 
vering and  forbearing  spirit,  much  faith  and  fervent  prayer,  as  well  as  our  means 
and  our  energies.  It  is  true  in  every  undertaking,  but  it  seems  more  sensibly 
true  in  such  an  enterprise  as  this :  "  Except  the  Lord  build  the  house,  they 
labor  in  vain  that  build  it ;  except  the  Lord  keep  the  city,  the  watchman  watch- 
eth  in  vain."  I  am  exceedingly  anxious  that  we  should  be  duly  impressed  with 
the  arduous  nature  of  the  enterprise  to  which  we  have  put  our  hands.  And 
while  I  reflect  with  pleasure  and  gratitude  on  your  liberality  in  subscribing  to- 
wards the  endowment,  I  would  guard  you  against  the  supposition  that  you  have 
relieved  yourselves  of  a  responsibility.  In  point  of  fact,  you  have  only  fairly  as- 
sumed it,  after  having  too  long  neglected  it.  A  glance  at  your  true  position  will 
satisfy  you  of  the  need  of  strenuous  efforfc,  and  that  the  cause  is  every  way  de- 
serving of  such  effort. 

DEMAin)  FOB  EVANGEUCAL  EFFOBT-SELF  BELIANCE. 

I  will  take  it  for  granted,  that  you  acknowledge  the  general  duty  of  the  dis- 
ciples of  Christ  to  make  known  His  saving  truth  to  every  creature,  up  to  the 
extent  of  their  ability  and  opportunity.  And  I  will  take  it  for  granted,  that  you 
acknowledge  the  duty  to  teach  those  who  embrace  the  truth,  to  confess  Christ 
in  baptism,  and  to  observe  all  things  whatsoever  he  has  commanded  them. 
Acknowledging  these  obligations,  look  around  you  in  your  own  beautiful  prov- 
ince, and  learn  the  great  work  which  God  has  given  you  to  do  there.  There  is, 
for  the  present,  a  large  portion  of  your  population  dead  in  trespasses  and  sins  j 
many  of  these  are  within  the  limits  of  your  respective  neighborhoods,  and  lie  in 
your  way  in  the  ordinary  activities  of  Christian  life ;  many  of  them  are  in  local- 
ities where  they  are  practically  removed  from  all  means  of  grace.  But  wherever 
they  are,  unless  Christians  in  Canada  bestir  themselves,  they  must  perish  ic 
their  sins. 

Besides  the  impenitent  who,  to-day,  are  scattered  over  the  provinces,  we  must 
remember  that  immigration  and  the  natural  increase  of  anew  country  are  rapidly 
swelling  their  numbers.  Your  present  supincness  is  not  only  hazardous  to  the 
salvation  of  dying  men  around  yo  ■  but  it  will  sacrifice  the  most  favorable 
opportunity  of  impressing  society  with  the  Truth.  Every  day  neglected  confirms 


u 


tm 


i  iit 


1 


.i 


t    5 


an  irreligious  character ;  and  everyday  is  strengthening  the  current  of  worldli- 
ness,  which,  with  the  rapidly  extending  prosperity  and  enterprise  of  the  country, 
is  setting  in  against  the  gospel.  The  enemy  is  not  asleep  while  Christians  are 
at  their  ease;  yet  Christians  have  it  in  their  choice,  under  the  blessing  of  God, 
to  give  a  religious  bias  to  society  in  its  infancy,  or  to  leave  it  to  become  confirmed 
in  ungodliness.  All  experience  teaches  us  that  neither  immigration  nor  natural 
increase  will  add  to  the  evangelical  forces  of  a  country. 

Other  bodies  of  professing  Christians  are,  happily,  united  with  you  in  the  gen 
eral  object  of  spreading  the  gospel  through  the  land  ;  and  some  of  them  display, 
a  commendable  zeal  in  the  work.  We  are  not  called  to  sit  in  judgment  on 
others ;  neither  does  it  becomes  us  to  measure  our  activity  by  theirs,  farther  than 
as  their  zeal  may  provoke  us  to  good  works.  We  must  all  give  an  account  of 
our  stewardship  to  the  Lord ;  and  it  is  our  wisdom  to  frame  our  course  accord- 
ing to  the  rule  by  which  we  shall  then  be  judged.  He  will  hold  us  responsible 
for  the  whole  extent  of  our  opportunities  of  well  doing,  and  the  love  of  Christ 
should  constrain  us  to  fill  it  up  with  zealous  efforts. 

In  addition  to  the  responsibility  which  we  share  with  all  who  have  named  the 
name  of  Jesus,  the  facts  already  alluded  to  seem  to  argue  a  fiivorable  disposition 
on  the  part  of  the  people  of  Canada  towards  Baptist  sentiments.  This  predis- 
position, if  it  exists,  vastly  increases  onr  advantages  in  presenting  the  gospel  to 
them.  But  when,  beyond  the  first  presentation  of  saving  truth,  we  consider  the 
observance  of  the  order  and  ordinances  of  the  gospel,  our  denominational  respon- 
sibility will  appear  more  evident.  If  the  honor  of  the  Redeemer  and  the  pros- 
perity of  his  church  be  at  all  involved  in  the  observance  of  these  ordinances,  we 
cannot  with  our  convictions  of  truth,  be  content  to  allow  other  bodies  to  occupy 
the  whole  neld  and  perform  the  work,  even  if  they  were  prepared  to  do  so.  The 
influence  of  time  in  confirming  men  in  their  attachment  to  human  traditions  and 
in  their  prejudices  against  the  commandments  of  God,  furnishes  another  strong 
argument  for  our  immediate  and  energetic  activity. 

I  have  spoken  hitherto  only  of  aggressive  movements  against  the  kingdom  of 
darkness,  but  while  I  urge  the  need  of  laborers  for  this  service,  and  all  the 
more  because  the  fields  seem  already  white  for  the  harvest,  I  cannot  overlook 
the  painful  fact  that,  so  Hir  from  having  a  surplus  of  laborers  to  reap  these  fields, 
the  churches  already  in  existence  are,  to  a  large  extent,  destitute  of  pastors  and 
teachers.  This  destitution  I  encountered,  with  great  pain,  at  almost  every  step 
of  my  progress  through  the  western  parts  of  the  province  j  and  yet,  I  suppose,  I 
saw  the  most  favored  region.  Every  step  prompted  renewed  prayer  to  the  Lord 
of  the  harvest,  and  furnished  me  with  additional  arguments  in  behalf  of  the  en- 
terprise in  whose  interest  I  was  engaged.  If  it  be  evident  that,  if  Christians  in 
Canada  neglect  the  spiritual  interests  of  the  impenitent  around  them,  they  will, 
humanly  speaking,  be  left  to  perish  in  their  sins,  it  is  equally  evident  that,  if 
churches  in  Canada  do  not  bestir  themselves  to  procure  pastors,  they  will  be  left 

destitute.  • 

The  churches  of  other  lands  can  scarcely  be  expected  to  take  this  charge  off 
your  hands,  while  there  are  such  multitudes  sitting  in  darkness  and  the  regions 
of  horrid  cruelty.  But  if  they  were  disposed  to  do  so,  they  have  neither  the 
moans  nor  the  men.    To  be  satisfied  of  this,  you  may  look  at  the  reports  of  Mis- 


17 


mt  of  worldli- 
)f  the  country. 
Christians  are 
jssing  of  God, 
)me  confirmed 
)n  nor  natural 

'ou  in  the  gen 
them  display, 
judgment  on 
s,  farther  than 
an  account  of 
30ursc  accord- 
US  responsible 
love  of  Christ 

lavc  named  the 
ible  disposition 
This  prcdis- 
X  the  gospel  to 
re  consider  the 
ational  respon- 
and  the  pros- 
!  ordinances,  we 
odies  to  occupy 

to  do  so.  The 
1  traditions  and 

another  strong 

the  kingdom  of 
ce,  and  all  the 
annot  overlook 
cap  these  fields, 
!  of  pastors  and 
most  every  step 
rctj  I  suppose,  I 
yer  to  the  Lord 
ehalf  of  the  cn- 
if  Christians  in 
them,  they  will, 
■  evident  that,  if 
they  will  be  left 

J  this  charge  off 

and  the  regions 

lavc  neither  tho 

;  reports  of  Mis- 


f 


Fionnry  Societies,  both  in  Groat  Britain  and  America,  and  you  will  be  at  a  loss 
to  know  whether  their  greatest  embarrassment  is  to  find  men  to  go.  or  means  to 
send  them.  ]Jut  more  than  this,  you  may  look  to  the  statistics  of  Baptist 
churches  in  older  countries,  and  learn  how  utterly  hopeless  it  is  to  turn  to  them 
for  the  f-upply  of  your  destitution.  Three  years  ago,  there  were  six  hundred 
and  fifteen  churches  without  pastors  in  New  England,  New  York,  New  Jersey, 
Pennsylvania,  and  Ohio,  to  ,«ay  nothing  of  other  and  more  destitute  States  of  the 
American  Union  ;  and  the  lapse  of  three  years  has  certainly  not  diminished  the 

deficiency. 

After  this  it  is  a  work  of  supererogation  to  attempt  to  shew  you  that,  if  you 
had  a  choice,  it  would  still  be  prcTcrablc  to  find  a  supply  among  yourselves. 
The  policy  of  Missionary  Societies,  which  leads  them  at  the  earliest  possible 
period  to  train  native  preachers  ;  the  course  of  those  denominations  among  your- 
selves who  have  the  greatest  facili^cs  for  procuring  ministers  from  the  mother 
country  ;  the  testimony  of  all  ministers  who  have  labored  under  the  disadvan- 
ta^-es  of  a  foreign  training ;  and  the  experience  of  churches  every  where,  to  which 
I  doubt  not  you  can  add  your  own,  establish  it,  beyond  all  question  and  argu- 
ment, that,  whether  for  the  care  of  churches,  or  the  propagation  of  the  gospel, 
a  ministry  should  be  sought  among  the  people  for  whom  they  are  to  labor.  It 
is  not,  however,  a  matter  of  choice  with  you,  you  must  find  them  among  yoi.r- 
selves  or  want  them. 

And  here  I  must  offer  the  remark  that,  in  my  view,  the  time  has  fully  come 
when  the  Baptist  body  in  Canada  should  assume  an  independent  and  self-sus- 
taining position.  The  stage  of  the  country's  progress,  the  numbers  of  its  popu- 
lation, its  increasing  wealth,  enterprise  and  intelligence  point  to  the  time  when 
it  should  aim  at  a  distinct  national  character.  I  do  not  mean  of  course,  politi- 
cally, but  socially  and  intellectually.  But  still  more  do  your  numbers  and  im- 
portance as  a  denomination,  indicate  that,  however  desirable  it  may  be  that  you 
should  cooperate  with  your  brethren  abroad,  the  sooner  you  form  and  maintain 
independent  institutions  for  the  advancement  of  your  internal  afiairs,  the  better 
for  your  harmony,  efficiency  and  progress.  A  body  of  45,000  Baptists,  placed 
in  circumstances  of  unusual  advantage,  with  ample  means  and  intelligence,  will 
be  expected  to  walk  alone.  The  fostering  care  of  foreign  or  parent  societies  can 
now  only  embarrass  and  enfeeble  you.  Whatever  the  inconvenience  or  perils  of 
setting  out  in  your  independent  course,  they  will  only  increase  by  delay,  and  it 
will  be  your  wisdom,  in  a  spirit  of  mutual  forbearance,  to  enter  upon  it  at  once. 

On  the  supposition  that  you  have  arrived  at  the  same  conclusion,  there  are 
two  associations  for  the  embodiment  of  your  efforts  in  accomplishing  a 
conunon  work,  to  which  your  attention  must  at  once  be  turned.  I  mean  your 
Home  Missionary  Society,  and  your  Society  for  the  promotion  of  Ministerial 
Education.  These  two  are  quite  distinct  in  their  oTjects,  but  they  are  mutually 
necessary  to  each  other ;  and  both  of  them  are  necessary  for  the  proper  execu- 
tion of  your  work.    The  one  prepares  the  supply,  the  other  distributes  it. 

THE  HALDANE  MOVEKfENT. 

In  this  connection,  let  me  lay  before  jou  an  interesting  and  instructive  chap- 
ter of  Missionary  history  the  progress  of  which  I  witnessed,  and  in  which  it  was 
my  privilege  to  bear  an  humble  part. 

2 


18 


1.^1 


Itl 


n 


Id 


!  -is 
if  ill 


The  latter  part  of  tlie  cigljtccnlli  century  has  Icon  called  "  thon;i(!nh!;ht  of  the 
church  of  Scotland."  Tho  prOi)or  cfFccts  of  State  patronage  and  control  had,  long 
before  tills,  hecn  wrought  out  in  the  (lead  formality  •udiich  took  the  place  of  the 
lofty  ardor  of  its  earlier  and  martyr  age ;  the  voice  of  a  faithftd  protest  was  silen- 
ced in  its  courts,  on  the  secession  of  the  Er'  kincs  and  tlicir  associates,  and  there 
was  only  here  and  there  a  burning  and  shining  light  left  to  make  the  darkness 
risible.  It  is  enough  to  say  that  many  of  its  nn'nistcrs  were  genuine  S'ocinians ; 
some  of  them  were  more  than  suspected  to  be  tainted  by  the  infidelity  of  David 
Hume;  and  multitudes  of  them  were  practically  Infidels.  I  need  scarcely  say 
what  was  the  state  of  religion  among  the  people  who  were  led  by  these  blind 
guides. 

God  in  his  wondcrfal  and  all-wise  providence  prepared  tho  .agents  of  an  extra- 
ordinary revival  of  pure  and  undefiled  religion,  not  amongst  the  clergy,  but  the 
laity.  Among  th  most  efTicient  of  these,  were  the  brothers  Kol)ert  and  James 
Ilaldano,  who  brought  to  tho  service  of  the  Lord,  not  only  large  pecuniary  resour- 
ces, but,  what  was  of  far  greater  price,  a  singular  devotion,  heroic  natures,  in- 
domitable cnergyj  superior  endowments,  and  most  ample  and  scriptui'al  views  of 
gospel  truth.  Both  of  them  had  entered  the  Iloyal  Xavy.  and  bid  fair  to  f  )lIow 
in  the  footsteps  of  their  distinguished  uncle,  the  hero  of  Camperdown,  when  the 
lyord  called  them  to  forsake  all  and  follow  him.  Cod  had  .about  the  same  lime, 
though  by  separate  means,  called  other  men  of  kindred  spirits  from  various  con- 
ditions in  life.  These  lovers  of  Christ  were  gradually  made  .icquainted  with 
one  another,  and  began  to  unite  their  efforts  to  do  good.  They  were  led  ov.t 
from  the  humbler  labors  of  the  Sabbath  School  .nnd  Tract  distribution,  to  what 
the  clergy  denounced  as  "  tho  dangerous  irregularity  of  lay  preaching,"  ami 
gradually  extended  their  sphere  of  evangelical  labor  from  the  city  of  Edinburgh 
to  an  itineracy  which  embraced  the  remotest  portions  of  the  country. 

Their  occasional  tours  impressed  them  %vith  the  necessity  of  providing  a  more 
systematic  means  of  continuing  the  good  work  ;  and  in  1798  "the  Society  for 
propagating  the  gospel  at  home  "  was  formed  in  Edinburgh,  consisting  of  Chris- 
tians of  different  denominations,  and  managed  by  a  committee  of  twelve  directors, 
all  of  them  laymen.  They  stated  their  oljcct  to  be  to  make  known  the  CIospc], 
without  designing  to  form  or  extend  the  iTilluenco  of  any  sect.  The  prosecution 
of  the  enterprise,  and  the  earnest  desire  of  the  Ilaldanes  and  other  members  to 
follow  the  guidance  of  the  Word  of  CJod,  led  to  the  formation  of  a  church  in 
Edinburgh,  and  subsequently  to  the  organization  of  a  congregational  hody  in 
Scotland.  The  same  spirit  of  inquiry  afterwards  conducted  the  broth.crs  and 
many  of  their  associates  to  embrace  Baptist  principles.  AVhen  I  became  ac- 
quainted with  them,  they  were  Congrcgationalists  j  and  tho  above  mentioned 
Society  was  sustained  in  connection  with  the  Congregational  body. 

Robert  Ilaldane  had  for  some  time  cherished  the  intention  of  devoting  Fome 
portion  of  his  fortune  to  th.e  education  of  pious  young  men  to  preach  tho  gospel. 
The  great  difficulty  which  the  Society  experienced  in  procuring  itinerants,  and 
which  the  New  Congregational  churches  found  in  obtaining  suitable  pastors,  con- 
firmed his  intention.  At  first,  he  thought  of  placing  a  few  young  men,  for  one 
year,  under  the  tuition  of  Mr.  Bogue,  at  Gosport,  but  circumstances,  which  I 
need  not  detail,  led  to  the  establishment  of  a  Seminary  in  Scotland,  under  the 


19 


n;i(!nh^ht  of  the 

»:itioI  hadjong 
tlie  plr.ce  of  the 
•otest  was  silen- 
iiatos,  and  there 
kc  the  (hirkness 
uine  Socinir.ns; 
flclity  of  David 
'cd  scurcoly  f^ny 
by  thfso  blind 

nts  of  an  cxtra- 

clfrjry,  but  the 
l)ert  and  James 
cnniarv  rcsour- 
■oic  naturcSj  in- 
iptiiral  views  of 
id  fair  to  f  )lIow 
lown,  when  t!ie 
,  t!ie  same  lime, 
3m  various  con- 
cqiiainted  with 
'f  were  led  out 
bution.  to  what 
ircaoliinpr,"  ftnd 
)•  of  Edinburgh 
ntrv. 

roviding  a  more 
'  the  Society  for 
iisting  of  Chris- 
twelve  diroctsrs, 
5wn  the  (lospel, 
The  prosecution 
ier  members  to 
of  a  church  in 
ationa!  Ijody  in 
10  brotb.crs  and 
n  I  became  ac- 
bovc  mentioned 

'  devoting;  FOire 
•each  the  gospel. 
',  itinerants,  and 
b!c  pastors,  con- 
mg  men.  for  one 
^tancoSj  which  I 
land,  under  the 


caro  of  Dr.  Innis  and  Mr.  Kwlnj.  which  continued  to  be  sustained  by  Mr.  Ilal- 
dane'i?  liberality  from  1709  to  1808 ;  during  which  it  sent  forth  nearly  CCO 

prcacliers. 

I  extract  from  the  memoir  of  the  Ilaldanes  on  account  of  this  Institution  by 
Mr.  I'vobi.'rt  Kinnibnrg;  and  it.s  fervicc  to  us  in  the  outset  of  cur  ellbrt,  will  bij 
a  sufncient  apology  for  it.s  intro(hictioa. 

"  The  course  of  study  gencTully  extended  over  two  years  with  a  vacation  of  six 
weeks  in  cacli  year,  and  embraced  English  Clr.uuniarand  Khetoricjthc  elements 
of  Greek  and  Hebrew — the  last  three  classes  had  Latin  in  addition — !ectu,\\; 
on  Systematic  Theology  and  essays  on  pre^-cribed  subjects.  Each  student  m 
rotation  delivered  sermons  before  the  class,  the  tutor  making  his  remarks.  One 
day  in  each  week,  all  were  required  to  speak  in  rotation  from  a  passage  of  Scrip- 
ture appointed  for  that  purpose,  the  tutor  making  concluding  observations.  The 
students  were  supported,  liad  medical  attendance  when  needed,  their  education 
and  class  books  were  given  them,  and  they  had  access  to  a  large  and  well  select- 
ed library,  all  at  the  expense  of  Mr.  Kobert  Ilaldanc.  Although  inconsequence 
of  the  large  demand  for  laborers,  tlic  young  men  were  sent  out  with  more 
meagre  attainments,  than  would  have  been  proper  in  other  circumstances,  ytt 
among  t'lcm  there  were  very  many  who  would  liave  done  honor  to  any  of  tlie 
religious  bodies  of  the  day."  Dr.  Slrutliers  speaking  of  these  seminaries*  says: 
"  Among  the  ^00  sent  forth  from  these  classes  before  they  were  altogether  given 
up,  there  were  some  choice  spirits,  who,  having  got  a  start  in  learning,  pushed 
on  their  private  studies  with  vigor  and  obtained  .success."  This  is  quite  correct. 
There  were  choice  spirits  amorig  them,  some  of  v\'hom  subsequently  made  a' tain- 
mcnls  in  actual  scholarsliip  equal  to  and  beyond  the  attainments  of  many  who 
boast  their  University  education  ;  while  others  of  them,  although  they  did  not 
aspire  to  be  erudite  scholars,  yet  by  diligent  application  rose  to  eminence  as 
preachers  and  writers.  Speaking  generally,  those  sent  out  from  the  Seminaries 
were  men  I'cfitting  the  times  in  which  Ihey  lived.  The}'  were  raised  up  in  mercy 
to  a  perishing  world ;  and  if  they  did  not  succeed  in  drawing  multitudes  to  their 
chapels,  it  must  be  ascribed  iu  a  great  measure  to  the  unbending  principles 
which  they  ever  maintained.  Thus  a  succession  of  efficient  preachers  was  secured 
on  a  plan  adapted  to  the  necessities  of  the  times,  and  which  provided  for  the 
supply  of  their  wants,  without  piesenting  any  temptation  to  those  to  embark  in 
the  cause  wliose  avarice  was  greater  than  their  zeal  for  doing  good. 

It  is  gratifying  to  me  to  acknowledge  my  own  indebtedness  to  tlie  noble  libe- 
rality of  Mr.  Ilaldane,  for  a  "participation  in  the  benefits  of  this  seminary,  and  for 
the  means  of  a  more  extended  course  of  study  in  the  University  of  Edinburgh 
at  a  time  when  it  was  my  privilege  to  cfTer  my  services  as  a  missionary  to  tlie 
East  Indies.  Jly  personal  knowledge  would  enable  me  to  present  a  more  extend- 
ed view  of  the  course  of  studies,  and  to  do  justice  to  the  ability  of  the  teachers 
one  of  whom,  the  venerable  Dr.  Innes,  still  survives;  but  the  above  account  is 
sufficiently  exact  for  my  present  purpose. 

.  I  have  observed  that  the  difficulty  which  ''  The  Society  for  the  Propagation  of 
the  Gospel  at  Home"  experienced  in  finding  missionaries,  urged  on  the  establish- 
ment of  the  seminary  j  and  the  account  of  the  seminary  will  show  to  what  ex- 
tent it  met  the  exigency.     But  I  wish  to  point  out  another  feature  in  the  recip- 


do 


im 


t  ill 


I- 


rocal  services  of  those  institutions.  The  students  in  the  seminary  were  employed 
to  teach  in  ikstituto  places,  n.s  occasion  ollevcd }  and  as  an  iUustration  of  the  ad- 
vantages of  this  policy,  I  may  be  excused  when  I  state  that  my  own  visits  to  a 
village  in  the  neighborhood  of  Glasgow,  during  the  last  year  of  my  studies,  led 
to  the  formation  of  a  Congregational  church  there,  which,  I  may  further  state,  I 
was  rejoiced  to  find,  on  a  visit  to  my  native  land,  sixteen  years  ago,  had,  like 
myself,  embraced  baptist  principles.  By  this  means  the  students  became  to  some 
extent  known  among  the  vacant  churches  and  stations.  Applications  were  made 
by  these  churches  for  preachers,  and  frequently  for  a  particular  individual,  who 
had  becomt;  known  to  them  during  his  "<lies,  to  the  Committee  of  the  Society 
for  the  propagation  of  the  Gospul ;  or  that  nmittee  being  acquainted  with  the 
stations  to  be" supplied,  they  corresponded  with  the  tutors  as  to  the  qualificadons 
of  the  young  men  in  the  seminary,  so  as  to  be  enabled  to  suit  the  demands  of  the 
place ;  and  so  soon  as  a  class  had  completed  the  course,  they  were  at  once  located 
by  the  committee,  each  in  an  appropriate  field,  without  incumbrances,  anxiety. 
or  loss  of  time.  Within  a  week  of  the  time  when  I  had  completed  my  studies,  I 
was  actively  engaged  in  the  duties  of  my  first  pastoral  charge.  It  is  not  neces- 
sary to  point  out  to  you  the  advantage  and  comfort  of  such  a  cooperation  to 
both  institutions,  to  the  churches  and  to  the  young  men. 

You  may  have  anticipated  my  conclusion  that  this  two-fold  agency  is  pre- 
cisely what  you  need  in  Canada}  a  Seminary,  to  bring  forth  and  discipline 
men  of  suitable  gifts  for  the  work,  and  a  Home  Missionanj  Society,  to 
distribute  and  sustain  them  in  appropriate  fields,  when  they  arc  prepared  to 
occupy  them.  Of  course  the  agency  of  the  Society  must  not  be  allowed  to  inter- 
fere with  the  free  choice  of  the  churches,  or  even  with  the  preference  of  stations 
where  churches  are  not  yet  formed ;  but  what  I  would  urge  is,  that  both 
institutions  are  necessary,  and  that  they  should  act  in  concert. 

KEED  or  HOME  MISUOKAKY  EPFCBTS-1JNI0I?  AND  FORBEAEANCE. 
From  what  I  saw  and  heard  during  my  tour  in  Canada,  I  am  encouraged  to 
believe  that  the  Regular  Baptist  I^Iissionary  Society  is  gaining  tlic  confidence 
and  support  cf  your  churches.  You  ought  to  rally  around  it,  greatly  augment . ' 
its  resources,  invigorate  its  councils,  and  strengthen  it  by  your  sympathies  and 
prayers.  The  dilUcultics  and  trials  of  a  body  of  men  attempting  to  consolidate 
such  Institutions,  is  not  peculiar  to  Canada.  A  moderate  acquaintance  with 
mankind  might  lead  us  to  anticipate  the  collision  of  views,  or  at  least,  to  expect 
that  there  would  be  occasion  for  much  mutual  forbearance  and  great  grace.  You 
must  not  be  staggered  nor  distracted  by  such  difficulties.  Nay,  you  should  be 
prepared  for  them.  And  let  me  add  that,  when  you  look  at  the  vast  interests, 
both  present  and  prospective,  which  are  to  be  affected  by  the  successful  opcr,- 
tion  of  such  a  Society,  you  will  be  satisfied  that  it  is  worthy  of  great  sacrifices 
of  private  feeling  and  opinion.  My  brethren,  receive  the  testimony  of  an  aged 
brother  who  cordially  loves  you — when  you  come  to  review  the  little  differences 
and  jars  of  life,  from  a  distance  of  fifty  years,  or  from  ihe  precincts  of  an  eternal 
world,  the  occasions  of  strife  will  appear  iuefi'ably  paltry,  and  the  blessing  of  fra- 
ternal cooperation  in  the  work  of  the  I-ord  will  appear  unutterably  precious. 
While  men  are  debating,  souls  arc  perishing. 


21 


were  employed 
tion  of  the  atl- 
3\vn  visits  to  a 
my  studies,  led 
further  state,  I 
i  ago,  had,  like 
jecaino  to  some 
ons  were  made 
ndividual,  who 
!  of  the  Society 
lintcd  with  the 
3  qnalificaaons 
ilemands  of  the 
at  once  located 
■anccs,  anxiety, 
d  my  studies,  I 
It  is  not  iicces- 
coOpcratioa  to 

ngcncy  is  prc- 
and  discipline 
nj  Societt/,  to 
re  prepared  to 
1  lowed  to  inter- 
,^nce  of  stations 
}  is,  that  both 

EAR&mCE. 

1  encouraged  to 
the  conlidenco 
rcatly  augment .  * 
iympathies  and 
;  to  consolidate 
[uaintancc  with 
least,  to  expect 
rcat  grace.  You 
you  should  be 
I  vast  interests, 
uccessful  opcr>- 
great  sacrifices 
;nny  of  an  aged 
little  differences 
cts  of  an  eternal 
s  blessing  of  fra- 
:crably  precious. 


S 


I  would  cncourago  no  indiHlrcncc  to  purity  and  no  laxity  of  principle ;  but  as  a 
j^cncral  thing,  the  more  earnest  we  are  in  the  pin-suit  of  the  great  object,  the  less 
arc  these  endangered.  And  when  we  think  of  destitute  churches,  and  whole 
settlements,  without  a  preached  gospel,  what  are  individual  preferences  or  per- 
sonal opinions?  It  has  sometimes  been  alleged  that  worldly  men  can  htirmonizo 
more  perfectly  in  the  prosecution  of  secular  interests,  than  the  i)rofessed  people 
of  CJod  can  in  the  advancement  of  the  work  of  salvation.  To  whatever  extent 
this  may  be  true,  surely  no  man  will  pretend  that  it  arises  fiom  the  greater 
meekness  forbearance,  and  love  of  worldly  men — it  is  because  each  n>an\s  sense 
of  personal  interest  in  the  result,  overcomes  the  force  of  personal  feeling  in  the 
prosecution  of  it.  But  amongst  the  people  of  Clod,  in  the  pursuit  of  an  evangel- 
ical enterprise,  there  is  no  personal  interest  to  counteract  the  personal  feeling. 
The  object  is  a  disinterested  one,  and.  unless  grace  reigns  to  the  extinction  of 
self-will  tin  object  may  be  lost  sight  of  in  the  conllict  of  opinion,  even  on  trilling 
details.  The  remedy,  over  and  above  the  general  cultivation  of  a  meek  and  quiet 
.spirit,  is  to  be  found  in  a  more  elevated  view  of  the  object  to  bo  attained,  a  more 
lively  interest  in  it,  and  a  single-hearted  aim  towards  it,  in  accordance  with  the 
supreme  will  of  the  Lord.  All  of  us  have  seen,  in  times  of  revival,  how  speedily 
a  holy  enthusiasm  for  the  glory  of  Clod  and  the  salvation  of  souls,  sweeps  away 
the  last  vestiges  of  old  dinbrcnccs  and  alienation. 

The  Baptist  body  in  Canada  is  comprised  parti}',  of  those  who  have  been 
members  of  Baptist  churches  in  the  British  Isles  and  in  the  United  iStatcs ; 
partly,  of  those  who  have  been  members  of  other  churches  in  these  countries ; 
and  partly  of  those  who  have  been  brought  to  a  knowledge  of  t^'^  Saviour  and 
have  been  baptized  in  Canada.  Apart  from  the  grace  of  Cod,  harmonious  coop- 
eration on  the  part  of  such  a  body  of  men  might  seem  next  to  impossible,  under 
any  circumstances,  it  will  demand  much  mutual  forbearance. 

One  thing  is  consolatory — whatever  differences  there  may  be  in  manners  and 
customs,  tlicrc  is  "  one  body,  and  one  spirit,  even  as  ye  are  called  in  one  hope  of 
your  calling,  one  Lord,  one  faith,  one  bapti-m,onG  Cod  and  Father  of  all,  who  is 
over  all,  and  through  all,  and  in  you  all."  This  essential  unity  underlies  all  con- 
ventional diversities ;  and  should  not  only  bo  an  argument  for  mutual  forbear- 
ance, but  furnishes  a  good  ground  for  hope  that  cordial  cooperation  will  be  ulti- 
mately secured. 

When  you  coma  together  for  the  .ittalnmcnt  cf  common  ends,  bear  in  mind 
the  great  things  in  which  you  arc  one  /  and  then  take  it  for  granted  that  it  will 
he  impossible  to  assimilate  the  operations  of  the  body  in  Canada  to  the  opera- 
tions of  any  one  body  of  Christians  elsewhere.  With  your  minds  settled  in  the 
doctrine  and  discipline  of  the  New  Testament,  each  of  you  must  be  prepared  to 
forego  everything  but  your  principles.  Take  the  peculiar  circumstances  in  which 
you  are  placed  into  account,  and  then  without  an  abject  captivity  to  customs  on 
the  one  hand,  and  without  an  affectation  of  novelty  on  the  other,  freeing  your- 
selves from  all  fancied  infallibility  or  superiority,  in  the  spirit  of  a  sound  mind, 
aim  at  the  decision  of  every  question  on  its  own  merits.  Above  all,  let  love 
pervade  all  your  counsels. 

In  the  absence  of  love,  matters  of  very  small  moment  may  occasion  very  great 
noise  and  contention  ;  so  that  in  perusing  the  history  of  the  professing  church, 


98 


*{i 


[|i 


nni  (p.«:pecia1!j  tho  history  of  its  Pchfsras,  wc  Jiro  C3nst.nnt!y  forced  to  cxctafm, 
"  Bt'hoM  how  grcnt  a  firo  a  small  spr.rlc  kindles !  '*  On  the  other  hand  lovo  Is 
not  easily  provokoih  There  is  nn  o1  joct  of  ilu  union  of  ClirLstians  Kufneiently 
important  to  warrant  tho  pacrifica  of  cverythinf;  hut  truth.  Tho  enemy  nUvnys 
act"  upon  tho  maxim,  ^^dtrlfe  and  con'jucr/^  It  should  bo  ours  to  act  on  tho 
opposite  maxim,  ^hnu'nn  Inrinciblc,^^ 

CkiUivato  Christian  sympathy.  And  hy  tliis  T  mean,  not  only  Kvmpnthy  In  tho 
trnth  where  you  are  ahoady  agreed,  but  sympathy  for  mutual  innnnities;  bear- 
ing one  another's  burdens,  having  compassion  one  of  another.  Xor  <!o  I  mean  only 
pympatliy  ^^ith  one  another  as  individuals  merely,  but  symiiathy  with  tlic  church 
and  caus2  of  Christ ;  such  a  sympathy  as  that  wliieh,  for;;i.ttin,crnn  private  grief, 
said,  "  Pray  for  the  peace  of  Jerusalem.  They  shall  prosper  that  love  thcc,"  Or 
that  which,  in  tho  darkest  hour  of  Forrow  and  reproach,  was  consoled  by  the 
thotight,  **  Thou  shalt  ari.sc  and  have  mercy  upon  Zion  for  the  time  to  favor  her, 
yea  the  set  time  is  come."  "When  su  sh  a  sympathy  for  the  cause  glows  in  the 
heart,  it  will  be  no  slight  matter  which  will  endanger  its  prosperity  or  distract 
the  counsels  of  its  friends. 

Over  all  your  intercotirso,  counsels,  and  discttsslons,  let  a  pplrit  of  genuine 
courtesy  preside.  Tho  world  endeavors  to  provide  against  jars  and  collisions  in 
its  social  intercourse,  and  public  councils,  by  an  artificial  courtesy,  which  is  cm 
bodied  in  forms  of  politeness  and  rules  of  order.  But  these  are  often  but  an 
outer  garment  for  malice  and  anvy,  which  T  do  not  advise  3^ou  to  wear.  While, 
however,  you  despise  the  vain  semblance,  do  not  slight  the  genuine  grace — a  truo 
humility  and  kindness  of  diFposilion,  expressed  in  a  gontli',  conciliatory,  and 
loving  deportment, 

Tho  obstacles  in  the  way  of  a  hearty  union  and  coopcrnllon  nf  the  Ba|.l:.sts  in 
Canada  are  not  insnrmountabl\  They  are  not  more  formidable  than  those 
which  exist  elsewhere  ;  and  which  arc  daily  levelled  before  Christian  zeal  and 
devotion.  Nowhere  else  do  I  know  of  a  field  which  promises  more  to  Christian 
activity.  There  is  within  the  province,  a  rapidly  increasiiig  population,  whose  spir- 
itual destitution  cries  loudly  for  help.  If  I  can  rightly  interpret  the  aspect  of 
society,  that  cry  is  specially  addressed  to  you.  Tho  people  are  extensively  pre- 
pared to  welcome  Baptist  mi^siorarics  ;  so  that  if  you  had  men  and  means,  you 
would  probably  have  little  difficulty  in  locating  double  the  number  of  your  pres- 
ent ministry  in  promising  fields  of  usefulness.  On  the  other  hand,  not  only 
your  numbers  but  your  means  are  flir  from  inconsiderable  ;  God  has  entrusted  to 
your  stewardship  a  fair  amount  of  worldly  prosperity.  My  experience  among 
you  satisfies  mo  that  lie  has  not  withheld  from  yon  the  spirit  of  liberality ;  so 
that  T  am  convinced  you  only  require  to  see  eye  to  eye  in  the  Home  Jlissionary 
enterprise,  and  the  treasury  of  3'our  Society  would  bo  amply  furnislied  with  the 
means  of  aiding  feeble  churches,  establishing  a  ministry  at  important  points 
whore  Baptist  principles  have  no  public  advocate,  and  sending  missionaries  and 
colporteurs  into  destitute  regions. 

I  have  already  expressed  my  persuasion  that  the  T!egular  Baptist  Missionary 
Society  of  Canada  is  gaining  to  itself  the  sympathy  and  confidence  of  the  churches  ; 
and  I  look  upon  that  Society  as  your  proper  agency  in  accomplishing  the  great 
work.    If  so — it  is  proper  that  you  should  consider  the  fact,  that,  comparative- 


1 


23 


<1  tocxctafm, 

hnnd.  lovo  is 
IS  Kufficiently 
(iicmy  nUvAys 
to  act  ou  iho 

npnthy  In  the 
[•mi tics;  bcar- 
f>  I  mcnn  only 
ith  tlio  church 

private  grief, 
vc  thcc,"  Or 
isoled  by  the 
;  to  fiivor  her, 

glows  in  the 
tv  or  distract 

it  of  j^cnuino 
(!  collisions  in 
which  is  cm 
often  )nit  an 
vcar.  While, 
grace — a  truo 
iciliatory,  and 

he  Ba|.l'.sts  in 
lo  than  those 
;tian  zeal  and 
c  to  Christian 
n,  whose  spir- 
the  aspect  of 
tcnsivcly  pre- 
iJ  means,  you 
•  of  your  pres- 
md.  not  only 
is  entrusted  to 
jricncc  among 
liberality ;  so 
ne  Missionary 
slied  with  the 
)ortant  points 
ssionavies  and 

st  Missionary 

the  churches ; 

ling  the  great 

comparative- 


ly limited  as  its  operations  have  been,  It  has  already  found  it  as  dilTlcuIt  to  find 
laborers  as  to  find  means  for  tlicir  .support.  Tliia  I  presume  was  partly  the  oc- 
casion of  the  clfurt  in  behalf  of  niiniati;rial  education  which  called  me  nmon.:you. 
You  have  arrived  at  a  similar  point  In  your  cvati'^flical  cifort,  as  in  the  rase 
above  cited  Mr.  llaldane  and  his  sissociatcs  found  in  their  endeavors  to  overtake 
the  destitution  which  surroinided  them,  when  he  thought  it  necessary  to  provide 
means  for  the  cducatioa  of  the  young  men  rh^iu  he  wislicd  to  employ  a.:  preach- 
ers of  the  gospel. 

AN  UHEDtJCATEB  MINISTRY. 

Let  mc  take  occasion  to  point  out  the  extent  to  which  I  consider  the  one  Tn- 
stitution  as  necessary  to  the  other.  I  would  lend  no  countenance  to  the  notion 
that  a  regular  education  in  a  college  or  a  theological  school  is  an  indispensable 
qualification  for  the  work  of  the  ministry.  Nor  would  I  for  a  moment  enter- 
tain the  thought,  that  a  missionary  society  sliould  sustain  no  other  laborers  than 
those  who  are  so  trained.  It  will  bo  a  dark  day  for  our  Baptist  churches  when 
«such  notions  gain  currency  among  thcrn.  There  is  no  amount  of  scholarship, 
and  no  endowments  of  genius  too  great  to  be  presented  as  an  humble  offering  to 
the  service  of  the  church  ;  and  in  that  service,  learning  and  genius  will  find  ample 
Ecopc.  But  it  does  seem  a  singular  infatuation  and  a  daring  presumption,  to  fix 
upon  a  standard  of  qualification  for  the  ministry,  dilTerent  from  that  determined 
by  the  word  of  God,  and  which  would  have  excluded  nearly  all  the 
apostles  and  their  fellow-laborers.  Such  a  policy  is  inconsistent  with 
the  procedure  of  him  who  has  called  not  many  wise  men  after 
the  flesh,  not  many  mighty,  not  many  noble.  But  hath  chosen  the 
foolish  things  of  the  world  to  confound  the  wise  ;  the  weak  things  of  the  world 
to  confound  the  things  that  are  mighty,  and  base  things  of  the  world,  and  things 
that  are  dci-piscd,  and  things  that  arc  not,  to  bring  to  nought  things  that  arc ; 
that  no  flesh  should  glory  in  his  presence. 

We  might  anticipate,  what  will  be  found  to  be  the  case,  that,  when  such  a 
standard  has  been  established,  the  ministry  as  a  whole,  has  lost  in  spirituality  all 
that  has  been  gained  in  outv.-ard  accomplishments.  The  most  able  and  godly 
ministers  of  churches  that  have  suRered  from  this  cause,  have  been  tlie  fore- 
most to  acknowledge  the  important  services  of  devoted  ministers,  who  have  been 
sneered  at  as  illiterate  and  clownish.  As  an  example  of  these  testimonies  to  the 
usefulness  of  unlearned  men.  I  quote  a  paragraph  from  a  popular  work  by  a  dis- 
tinguished minister  of  the  church  of  England,  and  follow  it  up  by  a  quotation 
from  an  address  by  the  president  of  a  New  England  Theological  school. 

The  former  says:  "  We  bless  (lod  for  the  names  of  a  Captain  Scott  and  a 
Captain  Joss  ;  for  captains  may  have  tongues  and  brains  and  grace,  as  well  as 
doctors  ;  and  men  of  inferior  rank  in  the  same  line,  if  not  superior,  have  been 
c(iual  to  them  in  a  v>-ise  conduct,  a  lioly  vralk  and  extended  uscfulne:-s  in  the 
ministry  of  the  word.  Others  also  shall  I  mention,  stone  masons,  butchers,  tail- 
ors, shop-keepers  and  shoemakers,  and  a  certain  tinker,  who  lived  a  century 
and  a  half  ago,  (the  llight  Reverend  Bishop  Bunyan,  the  apostle  of  Cambridge- 
shire and  Bedfordshire,  and,  though  a  Baptist,  admitted  all  to  communion  with 
him  whom  he  believed  to  be  children  of  God)  all  ot  whom  gave  evidence  that 


^ 


24 


grace,  good  sense  and  knowledge  of  the  word  of  Clod  may  so  far  possess  the  minds 
of  plain  mechanics,  as  to  render  them  abnndantlj^  useful." 

The  latter  sa)'S,  "  The  notion  that  a  certain  amount  and  a  certain  form  of  ed- 
ucation is  an  essential  condition  of  usefulness  is  disproved  not  onl}^  by  the  whole 
history  of  the  American  Laptists  but  still  more  emphatically  by  the  more  extend- 
ed history  of  the  English  Dissenters.  Among  the  thousands  of  names  enrolled 
among  the  graduates  of  Cambridge  and  Oxford,  how  few  will  flourish  till  the 
world  shall  end  with  so  fragrant  a  savor  as  the  names  of  the  imperfectly  and 
partially  educated  Baxter,  TJoddridgc  and  Xcwton  ;  or  to  con0.nc  ourselves  to  our 
own  denomination,  how  does  the  long  list  of  mighty  Avorthies  who  adorn  every 
page  of  its  history  laugh  at  the  narrow  idea  that  the  master  minds  of  the  world 
have  all  been  stretched  on  the  bed  of  Procrustes  ?  Bunyan,  Booth,  McLean,  Faw- 
cett.  Robert  Hall,  sen.,  Pierce,  SutcliiTe,  Fuller,  Carey,  AVard,  :\Iarshman,  Cham- 
berlain, Yates,  Iviiuey,  Steadman,  John  Foster !  ^Y\mt  would  Baptist  history 
or  the  world's  history  be  without  these  men  and  their  labors." 

Those  who  make  these  candid  admissions  »vill  not  be  understood  as  in  any 
sense  becoming  the  apologists  of  ignorance  and  sloth.  For  we  could  furnish  no 
better  proofs  that  the  higiiest  attainments  in  solid  and  scriptural  information,  are 
consistent  with  the  humblest  station  and  the  most  limited  opportunities,  than  the 
names  mentioned  in  these  passages.  However,  ample  the  evidence  whicli  the  his- 
tory of  the  church  furnishes,  that  God  can  use  men  devoid  of  %vhat,  in  a  worldly 
sense,  is  called  learning,  there  cannot  be  found,  either  in  sacred  or  profane  histo- 
.  ry,  a  particle  of  countenance  to  the  idea  that  a  m^n  devoid  of  scrip- 
tural and  experimental  learning,  and  yet  too  slothful  to  acquire  either, 
can  be  an  able  minister  of  the  New  Testament  and  a  succssful  teacher 
of  the  disciples  of  Christ.  These  men,  as  well  as  many  kindred  spirits  in  the 
United  States,  Baldwin,  Gano,  John  'AVilliams,  r)achus,  Case,  (iu.-tavus,  F. 
Davis,  Nathaniel  Kendrick,  John  Dcciccr,  Alfred  Bennett,  and  other  '•  unedu- 
cated "  men,  whose  successful  ministrations  have  spread  our  principles  over  this 
continent,  were  not  only  strong  minded  and  devoted,  but  their  thorough  acquain- 
tance with  the  Scriptures  would  have  shained  many  learned  doctors.  No  man 
does  so  great  injustice  to  their  memories  as  he  who  pleads  the  blessings  wliich 
crowned  their  labors  as  a  justification  of  his  neglect  to  study  the  word  of  God 
earnestly,  accurately,  and  prayerfully. 

The  institution  of  a  Theological  School  among  you  w-ill  have  no  tendency  to 
depieciate  the  labors  of  such  men.  No  Baptist  Missionary'  Society  can  ever 
afford  to  overlook  them.  But  after  all  of  these,  whom  God  has  given  you, 
are  established  in  their  proper  fields  of  labor,  there  will  be  urgent  occasion  to 
pray  to  the  Lord  of  the  Harvest,  that  he  will  send  forth  laborers  into  His  har- 
vest. 

There  is  no  class  of  men  who  better  understand  the  utility  of  a  Theological 
Institute  than  the  class  of  whom  I  speak.  Look  over  the  names  above  men- 
tioned of  American  ministers,  and  you  will  see  that  it  includes  the  fathers  and 
fosterers  of  ministerial  education  among  us.  Among  the  originators  of  the 
Baptist  Education  Society  of  the  State  of  New  York  was  Nathaniel  Kendrick. 
John  Williams,  by  whom  I  was  baptized,  and  whose  memory  T  cherish  with 
tenderness,  was.  to  the  last  of  his  useful  life,  an  efllcieut  promoter  of  the  cause  of 


Jt-" 


issess  the  minds 

ain  form  of  ed- 
y  by  the  whole 
10  more  oxtcnd- 
names  enrolled 
lourish  till  the 
111  per  fee  tly  Jind 
)urselvcs  to  our 
10  adorn  every 
ds  of  the  world 
,  McLean,  Faw- 
rshman,  Chara- 
liaptist  history 

tood  as  in  any 
uld  furnish  no 
nformation,  are 
inities,  than  the 
B  which  the  his- 
atj  in  a  worldly 
'  profane  histo- 
evoid  of  scrip- 
acquire  either, 
^cssful  teacher 
id  spirits  in  the 
,  Gustuvus,  F. 
other  '■  unedu- 
iciplcs  over  this 
)rougli  acqnain- 
;tors.  No  man 
blessings  wliich 
le  word  of  God 

no  tendency  to 
jciety  can  ever 
has  given  you, 
;cnt  occasion  to 
•s  into  His  har- 

of  a  Theological 
les  above  men- 
the  fathers  and 
iginators  of  the 
lanicl  Kendrick. 
!  T  cherish  with 
r  of  the  cause  of 


25 


ministerial  education.  '*  His  own  case  affords  a  strong  instance  of  the  truth  that  the 
I  Head  of  the  church  often  gives  to  intellect  and  piety  the  success  and  graces 

which  lie  denies  to  mere  human  learning,  but  he  was  never  encouraged  by  suc- 
cess to  act  upon  the  principle  of  making  himself  a  blockhead  in  tlic  hope 
that  God  would  make  him  an  apostle."  You  will  find  in  Canada  that 
your  college  will  have  no  warmer  advocates  and  promoters  than  the  most 
devoted  of  your  "  uneducated"  ministers.  Their  remembrance  of  all  their  own 
struggles,  and  of  the  disadvantages  against  which  they  have  held  on  their  course 
of  self-denying  toil,  will  prompt  their  enthusiastic  support  of  an  instrumentality 
which  promises  to  smooth  the  path  of  their  successors  and  extend  their  useful- 
ness. But  over  and  above  any  advantage  to  be  gained  in  the  increased  cfhciency 
of  those  who  are  called  to  the  ministry,  it  is  evident  that  such  an  Institution  is 
urgently  needed,  to  call  forth  and  to  forward  a  supply  of  laborers  adequate  to 
the  increasing  demand;  and  to  this  also  those  now  engaged  in  the  work  arc 

intensely  alive. 

NEED  OF  A  THEOLOGICAL  SCHOOL. 

There  arc  numbers  of  young  men  scattered  through  your  churches,  as  I  can 
testify  from  actual  knowledge,  who  are  panting  for  opportunities  of  usefulness 
in  the  wide  field  that  is  spread  out  at  your  feet,  white  for  the  harvest.  Their 
spirits  are  oppressed  by  a  sense  of  the  religious  necessities  of  their  country,  and 
by  a  sense  of  their  own  lack  of  the  scriptural  (T  say  not  literary)  attainments, 
which  would  qualify  them  for  the  work  of  the  ministry.  The  question  for  you 
to  determine  is,  whether  the  facilities  of  a  Theological  school  shall  be  afforded 
them,  or  whether  they  shall  be  left  to  struggle  on,  with  a  desire  which  they 
cannot  suppress,  amid  the  distractions  and  toils  of  ordinary  avocations,  with  a 
very  remote  hope  of  being  enabled,  with  impaired  powers,  unsuitable  habits, 
and  meager  attainments,  to  consecrate  a  brief  remnant  of  life  to  a  service  for 
which  the  whole  of  life  seems  so  short. 

If  they  are  left  to  struggle  on  unaided,  past  experience  teaches  us  that,  where 
death  does  not  cut  it  short,  the  desire,  after  years  of  disappointment,  will,  in 
many  cases,  be  stifled,  and  in  others  the  entanglements  of  domestic  and  business 
life  will  compel  its  abandonment.  It  may  be  that  some  of  your  own  hearts  can 
bitterly  testify  to  the  truth  of  this  remark. 

Were  there  no  other  consideration,  the  saving  of  time  in  the  preparation  for 
active  usefulness  would  be  a  vastly  important  one  to  plead  on  behalf  of  such 
institutions.  The  demand  for  laborers  is  urgent — death  will  not  delay  his 
strokes  till  they  arrive — opportunities  will  not  remain  unchanged.  Who  of  us 
can  say  what  in  a  few  years  will  be  the  condition  of  the  field  which  is  now  so 
inviting?  All  of  us  know  that  delay  in  evangelical  enterprise  is  not  only  a  loss 
I  of  time,  but  that  it  leaves  the  field  in  a  more  unpropitious  state.    It  is  with  the 

character  of  a  people  as  it  is  with  the  character  of  an  individual — there  is  no 
stationary  point :  it  is  either  advancing  or  retrograding.  Every  day's  neglect 
multiplies  and  strengthens  the  elements  of  irreligion  and  the  obstacles  to  truth. 
If  the  field  is  not  cultivated,  noxious  weeds  arc  propagating. 

But  there  are  other  considerations.  There  is  a  saving  of  power  as  well  as  of 
time,  which,  if  not  used  in  the  service  of  the  church,  will  be  expended  on  other 
objects.     If  young  men  are  left  to  struggle  on  unaided,  there  is  not  merely  but 


ff# 


'  'if- 


PP 


i"'' 


.26 

a  brief  remnant  of  existence  to  bo  devoted  to  the  work,  but  the  faculties  which 
are  at  length  brought  to  it  are  impaired,  A  man  ivho  enters  the  ministry  in 
the  prime  of  lifc.  and  another  who  delays  till  its  decline,  arc  VGTy  difTerently 
prepnrcdto  bear  the  burden  and  heat  of  the  day  j  and  how  different  is  the  latter 
at  fifty  years  of  ago,  from  what  he  would  have  been  had  the  preceding  twenty- 
five  years  of  his  life  been  spent  in  improving  his  gifts  and  gaining  knowledge 
and  experience  in  his  proper  office,  instead  of  having  been  spent  on  a  farm  or  in 
the  workshop  or  counting  house. 

We  all  know  at  how  great  disadvantage  a  man  in  later  life  turns  from  one 
calling  to  jwiother.  There  may  be  instances  in  which  men  of  extraordinary  ver- 
satility have  done  so  successfully,  but  they  are  no  few  that,  as  a  general  rule. 
we  should  consider  it  unwise  to  make  the  attempt.  Now  whatever  wonders 
God's  grace  may  effect,  in  fitting  his  servants  for  their  work,  we  know  that  He 
does  not  miraculously  make  old  men  young,  nor  in  any  respect  reverse  the  laws 
of  our  physical  and  intellectual  nature.  While,  therefore,  we  sedulously  guard 
against  any  disposition  to  direct  young  men  to  the  ministry  as  a  profession,  and 
set  our  fiices  like  a  flint  against  the  impious  design  of  encouraging  any  who  have 
Dot  given  the  clearest  evidence  of  a  gracious  character  and  a  call  of  God,  to  enter 
on  any  course  of  education  which  has  the  ministry  in  view ;  let  us  exercise 
proper  wisdom  and  prudence  in  husbanding  the  resources,  cherishing  the  gifts, 
and  cultivating  the  talents  v,'hich  God  has  conferred  on  the  church,  for  the  vrork 
of  the  ministry,  for  the  edifying  of  the  body  of  Christ. 

There  is  one  consideration  in  favor  of  such  an  Institution,  which  will  be  best 
appreciated  by  those  who  are  actually  in  the  ministry.  An  earnest  ministry 
anywhere,  but  cspcciallj'-  in  a  new  country,  will  bo  an  active,  toilsome  ministry. 
Constant  activity,  public  speaking,  pastoral  visitation,  and  "  journcyings  oft,"  in 
many  instances  break  up  habits  of  study  which  have  been  previously  formed. 
They  produce  a  dissipation  of  thought  and  an  impatience  of  application,  by 
which  the  necessary  preparation  for  the  exercises  of  the  Lord's  day  are  rendered 
irksome.  If  it  be  so  when  the  habit  of  study  has  actually  been  formed,  how 
improbable  it  is  that  the  habit  will  be  formed  in  the  face  of  such  distractions  t 
No  man  who  has  not  made  the  experiment,  can  understand  how  hard  it  is  to 
acquire  the  power  of  sustained  application,  especially  in  advanced  manhood.  If 
it  is  to  be  done  at  all,  it  must  bo  uider  the  most  favorable  circumstances ;  and 
if  there  were  no  other  advantage  in  an  attendance  at  a  College  or  Seminary,  the 
opportunity  of  forming  studious  haljits  would  be  of  incalculable  value. 

Farther,  in  addition  to  the  cultivation  of  thiS  habit  before  entering  on  the 
activities  of  the  pastoral  office,  it  is  of  importance  that  a  young  minister's  know- 
ledge should  be  reduced  to  order,  and  his  views  of  divine  truth  matured,  before 
he  undertakes  to  teach ;  otherwise  the  trumpet  will  give  an  uncertain  sound. 
and  the  pi'eacher  will  be  either  vacillating  or  rash ;  he  will  be  embarrassed,  and 
his  people  will  lose  confidence  in  him.  He  will  find  it  also  to  be  a  very  differ- 
ent thing  to  build  upon  a  foundation  of  knowledge  already  laid,  and  to  lay  a 
foundation,  amidst  a  thousand  interruptions,  and  at  moments  snatched  either 
from  toil  or  sleep.  Such  moments  may  be  improved  for  the  former  purpose—- 
for  the  latter  they  are  almost  worthless. 

In  all  this  I  have  not  alluded  to  the  importance  of  elevating  the  standard  of 


27 


cultics  which 
i  ministry  in 
y  diffLTently 
t  is  the  latter 
ding  twenty- 
g  knowlcdgo 
a  farm  or  in 

rns  from  one 
Drdinary  ver- 
gencral  rule, 
iver  wonders 
:now  that  He 
crse  the  laws 
dously  guard 
"ofession,  and 
my  who  have 
God.  to  enter 
.  us  exercise 
ling  the  gifts, 
for  tho  work 

I  will  behest 

icst  niinistry 
)me  ministry, 
yings  oft,"  in 
)usly  formed, 
pplication,  by 
■  are  rendered 
formed,  how 
distractions  t 
7  hard  it  is  to 
manhood.  If 
istances;  and 
kiuinary,  the 
ilue, 

tcrinp;  on  the 
lister's  know- 
atured,  before 
crtain  sound. 
)arrassed,  and 
a  very  diffcr- 
and  to  lay  a 
latched  either 
iKT  purpose — 

,e  standard  of 


mini' tcrial  attainments, both  thcolo;:ical  and  literary.  Yet  this  is  univcr.cally 
felt.  We  do  not  reflect  upon  tho  existing  ministry  when  wo  spink  of  this  neces- 
sity; but  point  to  the  advancing  intelligence  of  the  age,  and  antinpatv-  its  future 
pro.cress.  Looking  only  to  the  present,  the  low  state  of  scriptural  knowledge 
in  the  churches  generally,  intimates  the  necessity  of  improving  the  resources  of 
their  teachers,  and  fretiucnt  changes  in  tho  pastoral  OiTiCC,  which  we  all  lament, 
points  to  the  same  necessity. 

I  shonld  be  the  last  to  advise  any  course  which  might  scorn  to  cater  to  tho 
capricious,  and  I  will  add  impious  taste,  which  craves  exciting  novelty  and  mere 
rhetorical  flourish  in  the  pulpit ;  or  which  might  soem  to  countenance  the  policy 
of  having  ministers  of  the  gospel  wear  the  airs  of  mere  men  of  the  world  out  of 
the  pulpit.  Men  who  iiguro  with  equal  grace  in  tho  drawing-room  aiid  the 
puljiit,  are  commonly  a  disgrace  to  both.  I  behold  with  grief  much  in  the  pres- 
ent condition  of  all  denominations,  which  seems  to  intimate  that  wo  have  fallen 
ttpon  tho  times  when  •♦  they  will  not  endure  sound  doctrine  :  but  after  their  own 
lusts  heap  to  themselves  teachers,  having  itching  ears."  Yet  wc  must  not  close 
our  eyes  to  the  Hict.  that  the  advancing  intelligence  of  the  people  and  the 
increasing  l;\cilitics  for  the  propagation  both  of  truth  and  error,  render  it  ncccs- 
.«^ary  to  seek  a  corresponding  elevation  of  the  attainments  of  those  who  are  to  be 
the  1  eligious  teachers  and  preachers  of  the  age.  Not  only  higV»er  literary  quali- 
fications, but  higher  theological  attainments  are  necessary  for  the  edification  of 
the  churcli  and  the  evangelization  of  men. 

The  e:;traordinary  activity  of  the  press,  which  is  so  marked  a  peculiarity  of 
this  ^.ge.  presents  a  two  fold  claim  upon  the  ministry;  they  must  cultivate  their 
intelligence,  if  they  would  guide  and  edify  the  enlarged  and  quickened  intellect ; 
and  they  must  stand  prepared  to  combat  error  universally  diffused,  in  its  sub- 
tilest  form,  and  with  accelerated  force.  Formerly,  the  progress  of  error  was 
Flaw,  and  it  was  exposed,  or  its  force  was  spent,  before  it  reached  the  masses. 
Formcrlij,  the  assaults  of  infilclity  on  the  truth  could  only  affect  a  limited  cir- 
cle ;  and  it  was  enough,  if  there  were  a  few  accomplislied  defenders  of  thy  faith, 
in  high  places  and  in  .«eats  of  learning.  But  now,  a  humble  prer-.cher  of  the 
gospel  can  scarcely  fmd  a  remote  handct,  in  which  the'  oppositions  of  .'Jcicnce, 
falsely  so  called,  the  quibbles  of  a  deistical  literature,  and  tb.c  pretensions  of  a 
visionary  philosophy,  have  not  j^rcccdcd  him  !  And  there  is  scarcely  a  mini>-tcr 
among  us,  who  lias  not  been  called  upon  to  nnswcr  for  tho  faith,  in  discussions 
which  demanded  a  considerable  acquaintance  with  science,  history,  and  philoi?- 
ophy. 

The  consequences  of  a  minister's  incompetency  to  grapple  with  tho  specious 
oTjcctions  of  socialists  and  philosophists,  are  not  limited  to  the  oljectors,  who 
may  thereby  bo  confirmed  in  their  delusions ;  but  the  consequences  of  tl:c 
apparent  triumph  of  scepticism  are  most  disar,trous  to  the  young  and  on<iuiring 
minds  in  a  community  ;  whoso  suspicions  arc  aroused  against  the  gospel,  and 
whose  respect  for  its  advocates  is  destroyed.  The  tendency  to  unbelief  in  the 
natural  mind  is  powerfid,  and  the  encouragements  which  that  tendency  iwqqU 
in  current  literature  and  science,  are  numerous  j  and,  instead  of  leaving  it  to 
pain  countenance  by  the  incompetency  of  the  public  defenders  cf  the  truth,  it 
becomes  us  to  provide  every  possible  means  to  repress  it. 


28 

Men  arc  always  prone  to  exaggerate  the  characteristics  of  their  own  atio ;  and 
it  may  he,  that  our  impression  of  the  increasing  number  and  augmented  force  of 
prevailing  heresies  and  (lehisions,  may  arise,  in  some  measure,  from  our  indistinct 
knowledge  of  those  which  prevailed  in  former  ages:  but  we  cannot  be  mistaken 
as  to  the  increased  facilities  of  propagating  them.  It  will  not  be  denied  that  the 
recent  success  of  religious  quacks  and  charlatans,  in  the  most  enlightened^  por- 
tions of  Christendom,  is  as  mortifying  as  it  is  surprising.  The  puerilities  of 
Puscvism,  Mormonism,  and  Spirit-rapping,  and  the  more  subtle  dreams  of  the 
Pantheist  and  the  Swedenborgian,  to  say  nothing  of  a  revivified  Topcry,  or  of 
the  manjvheaded  monster,  modern  Infidelity,  arc  strange  "  developments  of  pro- 
grcss,"--most  fantastic  harbingers  of-  the  "glorious  future,"  as  the  phrases  go, 
and  might  almost  lead  us  to  retract  what  we  have  said  about  the  enlarged  and 
quickened  intellect  of  the  age.  I  will  not  say  how  far  the  professing  church  is 
responsible  for  their  existence ;  but  it  is  not  too  much  to  say  that  the  lack  of 
Scriptural  intelligence  in  our  congregations,  and  the  failure  of  the  ministry  to  sec 
to  it,  that  their  flocks  were  rooted  and  built  up  in  Christ,  established  in  the 
faith,  may  in  a  great  measure  account  for  the  easy  success  of  such  delusion?.  A 
thoroughly  trained  ministry  is  demanded,  not  «o  much  to  maintain  a  conflict 
with  the  apostles  of  delusion,  as  to  imbue  the  general  mind  with  sound  Scrip- 
tural information,  which  would  be  an  effectual  antidote. 

The  influence  which  the  study  of  tlie  Bible  exerts  upon  him  who  pursues  it, 
both  in  reference  to  the  acquisitions  made,  and  the  power  imparted  to  resist  error, 
is  thus  estimated  by  Bishop  Ilorscly.  "  I  will  not  scruple  to  assert,  that  the 
most  illiterate  Christian,  if  he  can  but  read  his  English  Bible,  and  will  take  the 
pains  to  read  it  in  this  manner  (comparing  parallel  passages),  will  not  only  attain 
all  that  practical  knowledge  which  is  necessary  to  his  salvation;  but,  by  God's 
blessing,  he  wMI  become  learned  in  everything  relating  to  his  religion  in  such  a 
degree  tha<^  he  will  not  be  liable  to  be  misled,  either  by  the  refnicd  arguments,  or 
by'thc  false  a-^sertions,  of  those  who  endeavor  to  ingraft  their  own  opinion  upon 
the  oracles  of  God.  He  may  safely  be  ignorant  of  all  philosophy  except  what  is 
to  be  learned  from  the  sacred  books ;  which,  indeed,  contain  the  highest  philoso- 
phy adapted  to  the  lowesl  apprehensions.  He  may  safely  remain  ignorant  of  all 
history,  except  so  much  of  the  history  of  the  first  ages  of  the  Jewish  and  of  the 
Christian  Church,  as  is  to  be  gathered  from  the  canonical  books  of  the  Old  and 
Xew  Testament.  Let  him  study  these  in  the  manner  I  recommend,  and  let  him 
never  cease  to  pray  for  the  illumination  of  that  Spirit  by  which  these  books  were 
dictated ;  and  the  vrhole  compass  of  abstruse  philosophy  and  recondite  history 
shall  furnish  no  argument  with  which  the'  perverse  wall  of  man  shall  be  able  to 
shake  this  learned  Christian's  faith." 

A  NATIVE  MINISTRY,  AND  HOME  EDUCATION. 
A  great  mistake  has  prevailed  as  to  the  character  and  attainments  of  those 
laborers  who  are  needed  in  the  missionary  fields  of  the  church,  both  domestic 
and  foreign.  Most  denomiiiutions  have  acted  on  the  supposition  that  a  man  who 
was  neither  acceptable  nor  useful  at  home,  might  be  well  enough  for  a  new 
country  or  a  heathen  land.  The  directors  of  the  missionary  enterprise,  both  in 
Great  Britain  and  America,  are  aware  that  this  is  a  mistake  ;  but  its  practical 


29 


OKTi  fijro ;  and 
acnted  force  of 
I  our  indistinct 
3t  be  mistaken 
lenied  that  tho 
lightened  por- 
,e  puerilities  of 
dreams  of  the 
t  Popery,  or  of 
)praents  of  pro- 
he  phrases  go, 
!  enlarged  and 
ssing  church  is 
lat  the  lack  of 
ministry  to  sec 
;ablished  in  the 
i  delusion?.  A 
itain  a  conflict 
I  sound  Scrip- 

who  pursues  it, 
i  to  resist  error, 
assert,  that  the 
d  will  take  the 
not  only  attain 
hut,  by  God's 
igion  in  such  a 
d  arguments,  or 
n  opinion  upon 
'  except  what  is 
lighest  philoso- 
1  ignorant  of  all 
wish  and  of  the 
of  the  Old  and 
nd.  and  let  him 
lese  books  were 
}conditc  history 
shall  be  able  to 


micnts  of  those 
I,  both  domestic 
that  a  man  who 
ough  for  a  new 
terprisc,  both  in 
but  its  practical 


correction,  in  the  self-denial  of  churches  who  want  cfTicicnt  pastors,  and  of 
preachers  who  are  called  to  inviting  fields  of  usefulness,  will  be  slow  and 

difllcult. 

If  those  churches  and  preachers  in  older  countries,  were  asked  to  decide 
whether  they  should  prefer  their  own  comfort  and  honor  to  the  salvation  of  men 
in  distant  and  destitute  regions,  they  would  not  hesitate  a  moment.  13ut  tliat 
is  not  the  question  as  it  presents  itself  to  their  minds.  They  sec  a  large  and 
promising  field  at  their  own  door,  all  the  importance  and  interest  of  which  they 
feel ;  and°they  hear  of  another  field  at  a  distance,  the  importance  and  interest  of 
which  they  cannot  appreciate ;  and,  all  question  of  self-interest  aside,  they  ask, 
'Which  of  these  arc  we  to  neglect?'  There  can  be  little  doubt  how  such  a 
question  will  be  decided,  for  the  most  part,  even  by  conscientious  and  devoted 

men. 

The  primitive  churches,  which  sent  out  Paul,  Barnabas,  Timothy,  Titus,  and 
kindred  laborers,  seem  to  have  had  little  difficulty  in  determining  what  the  cause 
demanded  of  them  ;  and  we  may  contmue  to  urge  that  modern  devotion  should 
be  elevated  to  the  standard  of  apostolic  zeal.  Bat  it  will  not  be  wise  to  arrest 
the  progress  of  the  cause  until  this  point  is  gained.  In  any  case,  the  churches 
in  Canada  have  reached  a  stage  in  which  the  churches  at  home  will  conceive  that 
they  may  help  themselves  ;  and  we  may  rest  assured  that,  while  the  supply  of 
efficient  ministers  comes  so  far  short  of  the  home  demand,  ycu  must  help  your- 
selves or  remain  destitute. 

You  need  ministers  in  multiplied  numbers  and  of  increased  efficiency  ;  you 
cannot  hope  to  receive  them  from  older  countries  ;  you  have  the  opportunity  of 
supplying  them  from  your  own  ranks,-~and,cvcn  if  you  could  obtain  them  from 
a  distance,  the  native  supply  would  on  every  account  be  preferable.  With  all 
this  before  you,  there  ought  to  be  little  hesitation  rd)Out  your  course.  It  will 
not  meet  the  exigency,  to  seek  out  men  of  suitable  gifts,  and  send  them  abroad 
to  receive  an  education.  The  same  causes  which  now  prevent  young  men  from 
coming  thence  to  settle  among  you,  will  prevent  the  young  men  you  send  thither 
from  returning  to  you.  If  they  are  gifted  and  efficient,  older  churches  Avill  out- 
bid you  for  their  services,  and  persuade  them  that  they  can  be  more  useful  in 
the  regions  where  they  have  been  trained.  This  is  not  a  mere  supposition— it  is 
a  painful  experience  of  regions  similarly  situated  to  your  own.  Your  support 
of  Theological  Institutions  abroad,  instead  of  supplying,  will  drain  you  of  effi- 
cient men ;    and  there  remains  no  choice  to  you  but  to  rally  around  a  Canadian 

Seminary% 

There  arc  numerous  advantages  in  having  your  ministry  not  only  raised  from 
among  yourselves,  but  trained  in  your  own  schools.  In  fact,  every  argument 
for  a  native  ministry  is  an  argument  for  a  home  education.  The  education  pro- 
vided in  your  Institution  will  adapt  itself  to  the  character  and  wants  of  your 
country;  vrhile  any  other  school,  to  which  you  can  send  your  young  ministry, 
will  be  adapted  to  another  and  a  different  state  of  things.  Ihit  there  is  an 
additional  consideration  of  greater  weight  than  it  may  at  first  appear,  which  I 
would  press  on  your  attention.  I  have  pointed  out  the  various  origin  of  tho 
members  who  compose  your  churclics,  as  a  formidable  obstacle  to  your  complete 
harmony  and  coOi  eration ;  but  this  distracting  influence  is  probably  most  sen- 


30 


silly  porceived  in  the  case  of  the  ministry.  Even  if  they  rijc  stiporior  to  the 
prepossessions  wblch  would  tiud  to  division,  tlioy  must  still  want  the  hond  of 
union,  which  common  orij^in.  association,  rsnd  education  would  furnish. 

ThtTC  is  probably  no  move  constraining  social  bond,  apart  from  the  great  tic 
of  Christian  brotherhood,  than  that  which  unites  fellow-students  in  the  Faino 
theological  school.  The  period  of  life  at  which  they  arc  brought  togetlier,  the 
object  they  havo  in  view,  the  intimacy  of  their  relations,  their  common  struggles 
and  triumphs,  hopes  and  fears,  their  participation  in  the  moulding  influence  of 
the  same  teachers,  their  union  in  the  same  Christian  tfTorts,  their  dail)'  gather- 
ing around  the  same  altar,  their  thorough  acquaintance  with  each  other's  char- 
acter, their  friendships,  sympatliies  and  confidence,  tlieir  interest  in  each  other's 
success,  and  ia  the  credit  of  the  Institution  to  which  they  will  always  loolc  back 
with  something  of  the  affection  v/itli  which  men  regard  tlieir  parents  and  their 
first  home—all  these  constitute  a  bond  of  the  most  endearing  and  en^luring 
character,  which  only  gains  sacredness  and  tenderness  by  the  lapse  of  years  and 
the  changes  of  life.  When  the  intluvncc  of  such  an  affection  pervades  your 
counsel;?  and  girdles  your  country,  you  will  present  the  aspect  of  a  fwrn  and 
compact  phalanx  tc  the  world ;  and  I  admonish  you  to  lose  no  time  in  securing  its 
advantages. 

I  hAvo  remarked  that  the  coTirso  of  education  in  your  own  Institute  will 
naturally  adapt  itself  to  the  cliaractor  and  wants  of  the  country'  j  it  would  there- 
fore be  premature  to  lay  bcGjre  you  any  prescribed  course  now.  This  must  bo 
left  to  the  anxious  and  prayerful  deliberation  of  those  whom  you  place  in  tho 
managcnicnt  of  it.  They  will  take  into  account  tho  character,  attainments,  and 
circu-aistances  of  the  students  you  send  to  tlietn,  as  well  as  the  circmnstanccs 
and  wants  of  the  field  of  tlieir  prospective  labors.  They  will  be  aided  too  by 
the  crcpericncc  and  practice  of  other  kindred  Institutions.  "With  this  view  I  am 
happy  that  we  have  been  furnished  with  the  accounts  of  the  three  Theological 
Schools  in  Toronto  presented  above,  and  to  these  I  add,  in  this  place,  similar 

accotints  of 

EOCHESTEE  THEOLOGICAL  SSMIWAEY. 

This  Seminiry  was  founded  Xov.  4,  1850,  by  the  N.  Y.  Baptist  Union  for 
Ministerial  Education.  It  has  no  organic  connection  with  the  University  of 
Rochester.  Tlie  Seminary  admits  students  of  all  evangelical  denominations,  tho 
prtdiminary  requisite  for  admission  being  proof  of  church  membership,  a  license 
to  preach,  or  an  approval  of  their  studying  for  the  ministry  from  their  respective 
churches.  Students  are  also  examined  "  in  relation  to  their  christian  experience 
and  call  to  tho  ministry,''  and  in  approved  cases  are  aided,  where  aid  is  required, 
from  the  funds  of  the  Kcv  York  ILaptist  Union  for  Ministerial  Education.  A 
partial  course  of  study,  both  in  the  University  and  Seminary,  is  allowed  to  those 
who  are  limited  to  it  by  their  age  or  circumstances.  The  course  of  instruction 
embraces:  I.  Sacred  Philology.  II.  Biblical  Criticism,  III.  Exegesis,  lliblical 
Tixeology,  and  Ilomiletics.  27  Students  attended  the  Seminary  iu  1852-53. 
COVINGTON,  K5?..  THEOLOGICAL  mZTlTVIS. 

The  object  of  this  Institute  is  to  furnish  suitable  instruction  to  young  men  of 
the  Baptist  churches  who  are  preparing  for  the  ministry.  Young  men  of  suita- 
ble attainments,  and  duly  recommended  by  the  churches  of  which  they  are 


31 


5  stiporior  to  the 
lant  the  bond  of 
rurnish. 

orn  t!ic  great  tic 
tits  in  the  Fatno 
ght  togelluT,  tlie 
:)tnTnon  struggles 
ling  influence  of 
icir  (lail)'  pather- 
i(?h  other's  char- 
?t  in  each  other's 
ilways  loolc  back 
)arcnts  antl  their 
ig  and  enluring 
Ipse  of  years  and 
n  pervades  your 
!ct  of  a  rum  and 
nic  in  securing  its 

•n  Institute  will 
}  it  would  thcra- 
r.  This  must  bo 
you  place  in  tho 
attaininentSj  and 
he  circumstances 
I  be  aided  too  by 
ih  this  view  I  am 
three  Theological 
iits  place,  similar 


aptist  Union  for 

10  University  of 
^nominations,  tho 
bershipj  a  lieonso 

11  their  respective 
ristian  experience 
e  aid  is  required, 
d  Education.    A 

allowed  to  those 
I'se  of  instruction 
Exegesis,  Jliblical 
riu  1852-53. 


members,  receive  instruction  and  furnished  rooms,  r.nd  if  nccc;vsary  board,  free 
of  charge. 

In  the  regular  Theological  Course,  the  students  arc  instructed  in  Biblical  Lit- 
erature and  interpretation,  including  the  Ilebrew  and  Chaldee  languagi-s  j  in 
Ecclesiastical  History,  with  select  readings  in  the  Greek  New  Testament,  and 
the  Siptuagint ;  in  the  Evidences  of  Christianity  and  liblical  Theology,  Doc- 
trinal, Pjcceptive,  Jind  Practical;  and  in  Pastoral  Theology,  embracing  lec- 
tures on  Ilomiletics,  the  Church  of  Christ,  and  Pastoral  Duties, 

Students  who  pursue  the  regular  course,  are  graduates  of  colleges,  or  arc  po.5- 
Fessed  of  equivalent  mental  attainments  ;  but  there  is  a  Primary  Class,  consist- 
ing cf  young  men  who  have  not  enjoyed  such  advantages.  This  class  is  in- 
structed f  )r  one  or  two  years  in  the  English  Language,  the  Greek  of  tho  New 
Testament,  and  Septuagint,  the  Hebrew  language,  Pthetorie,  Mental  Philoso- 
phy, Sacred  Geography,  and  such  other  branches  as  may  be  deemed  necessary. 

There  is  but  one  session  in  the  year — commencing  on  the  third  Thursday  in 
September,  and  closing  on  the  third  AVednesday  in  June. 

The  library  is  very  select,  and  its  increase  is  provided  for  at  the  rate  of  one 
thousand  dollars  worth  of  books  every  year. 

MADISON  LiaVEESITT, 

'  This  Inf^titution,  which  grew  out  of  the  New  York  Baptist  Education  Society, 
formed  in  September,  1817,  is  too  well  known,  both  in  Canada  and  this  country, 
to  rcqtiiro  anything  more  than  an  allusion  to  it  at  this  time.  The  requirements 
for  admission  and  the  course  of  study  pursued  do  not  differ  essentially  from 
tho.se  of  the  Colleges  already  named.  I  am  happy  to  learn  that  the  pecuniary  dif- 
llculties  which,  at  one  period,  hung  like  a  dark  cloud  over  it,  and  threatened  its 
very  extinction,  have  been  dispelled.  It  is  the  oldest  born  of  the  theological 
schools  of  our  denomination  in  the  United  States.  It  is  connected  with  many 
tender  and  hallowed  associations.    May  it  enjoy  a  long  career  of  usefulness! 

The  following  tabular  statement  is  taken  from  the  Baptist  I? egistei' for  tho 
past  year,  and  presents  at  a  glance  the  location,  officers,  and  the  timo  v,'hen 
foun.lcd.  of  the  Institutions  named.  The  courses  of  instruction  in  those  strictlr 
Theological,  do  not  differ  so  materially  from  those  more  particularly  mentioned, 
as  to  require  further  reference. 


to  young  men  of 
mg  men  of  .suita- 
f  which  they  are 


BAPTIST  C0LII:GES  IN  THE  UKITED  STATES. 


NAMES. 


FOCSDBD. 


rtACE. 


Brown  Univfrslty 

Miitlison  Univorsity, .... 

WiiU-rville  ColU-ge, 

Coluinbiiia  Colli'^Ui 

Cforgctown  ColKge, 

(3 riiuvillo  College,  ...... 

Kichnxmil  Collcgt",  ..... 

Mwrcer  Uiiivursity,— .... 

ghurtlell' Collogi^, 

Wjtke  Forest  College,  ... 

Rector  College, -- 

Union  rniversity,  ...... 

ll(,)w:iril  ColiegL*  ........ 

Frnnklin  College, 

Baylor  University, ..... 

Ct'utral  Oollegft, 

University  at  Lewisbuvg, 
William  JeweJl  College,. 
University  of  Roche.stor, 

Oregon  Coll'ge, 

Fwrnian  University,  ....j 
Missi.irfiiipi  CuUegOi  .... 


1704 
1819 
IS-JO 
IS'Jl 
182!) 
I'vll 
18:32 
I8:j;5 
is;5i 
ls:.8 

18  40 
isll 
1814 

l.vi5 

184** 
1849 
1849 
1850 
38:,0 
1851 

Ibol 


I'rnviilenco.  11.  I.  ..... 

Hamilton,  N.  Y. ...... 

Waterville,  Mo 

Wasliiiigton,  I)-  C... 

Georgetown,  Ky 

Granville,  (). 

lilclinionil,  Vii.  ....... 

I'enlieM   (r.i 

Upper  Alton.  111. 

ron'.stville,  N.  0...... 

I'rantytown,  Y.a. 
Murt'reesboro,  Tenn... 
Marion,  Ala. ........  .. 

Franklin,  la. 

Iinlependetu'L',  Texas.  . 
Mcdrawville,  N.  Y. 
I.ewislmrg,  I'a.  ....... 

]/ilierty,  Mo........... 

KoclKster,  N.  V..-..-. 

O.vgon  City,  O.  T 

(ireenville.  S.  C 
Clinton,  Miss. 


PRG.SiDENT. 


Rev.  Francis  Wavlriml.  1>  D  ,  L.L.  D. 

Stephen  AV.  Tavlor,  h.L.  D. 

Itev.  David  N.  yiielilon,  D-D. 

Hev.  .loelS.  I^acon,  1).I>. 

Uev.  Duncan  U.  Campbell,  LL.  D. 
J  llev.  f'ilas  liailey,  D.D. 
.1  Itev.  Robert  H.vlantl,  A.M.  * 

J  llev.  .Tolin  L.  Dagg,  D.D. 
.  i  Rev.  Nornrin  N.  Wooii,  D.D. 
.1  Uev.  John  U.  Whito,  A.  .M. 


Joseph  n.  Katon,  L  L.  D. 
U.;v.  Henry  Talbira,  .V.  51. 

Kev.  Uufus  C.  Uurlcson,  A.M. 

Rev.  Tlowrtrd  Malrom,  D.D. 
I  Rev.  K   S.  Dulin,  A.M. 
1  lion.  Iru  Harris,  LL.  D.,  Chancellor. 

Uev.  Geoiv'ii  C  ClwndkT,  A.M. 


THEOLOGICAL  INSimJTIONS. 


NAMB. 


Th<>nlog5ci\l  Dopart.  of? 

Mailison  University,  ^ 
Kew  llatniitnn  Theolo-  } 

{•ical  Seminary,  ....  S 
Newton  Theologicalln-  > 

stitution,.... S 

Jlercer  Theological        ( 

Seminary, S 

Furman  Theological       ^ 

Seminary, ^ 

Western  Rapti.st  Thuo-  t 

logical  lustitnte,-—.  S 
Theological  Uepartm't  i 

Ilowanl  College,  ....  S 
KaLima/.oa  Theological 

Seminary, 

Rochester   Theological 

Seminary, 

Fairmonnt  Theological  } 

Institution, \ 


FOUNDED. 


PLACE. 


1820 

lS2i 

1S25 

1833 

1S35 

1840 

1S43 

1845 

1850 

1851 


SENIOR  PHOFESSOR. 


Ilamilton,  N.Y. Rov.  George  W.  Eaton,  D.D. 

Rev.  Ely  IJ.  Smith,  D.D. 

Uev.  Henry  J.  Ripley,  D.D. 

Rev.  John  L.  Dagg,  D.D. 

Rev.  J.  C.  Furman,  A  M. 
Covington,  Ky j  Rev.  Samuel  W.  Lyml,  D.D. 

Rev.  Henry  TalbirJ.  A.M. 

Rev.  J.  A,  B.  Stone,  A.M. 

Rcv*-  Thoma.s  J,  Couant,  D.D. 


N'ew  Hampton,  N.U 

Newton  Centre,  Slass.  .. 

Ponfield,  Geo 

Oroenville,  S.  C 


Marion,  Ala 

Kalamazoo,  Mich 

Rochester,  N.Y.  ........ 

Cincinnati,  0. 


COURSE  OF  STUDY.  L  PBEPASATION. 

My  reason  for  inserting  these  in  an  address  to  you,  is,  not  to  aid  in  the  dcMb- 
erations  of  those  who  are  to  determine  tlie  course  to  be  pur.^ued  by  students  in 
your  Institution,  but  to  furnish  you  with  some  correct  information  regarding 
the  nature  of  the  work  that  is  to  be  done  in  such  a  scliool.  And  though  wc 
cannot  now  lay  before  you  cither  a  proscribed  or  a  proposed  curricuhim,  there 
are  a  few  gcnci'al  considerations  which  it  may  be  profitable  to  revolve. 

You  will  observe  that  there  are  two  great  divisions  of  the  whole  subject  of 
ministerial  education :  first,  that  which  is  properly  considered  preparatory- 
including  the  various  departments  of  literary,  scientific,  and  philosophical  .study. 
With  these  we  have  not  directly  to  do  in  our  Institute,  for  it  is  probably  a 


SIDENT. 


vl.inil.  1>  I)  ,  L.L.  D. 

or.  li.L.  1). 
U'lddii,  D-D. 
t>t),  1)1). 

L'umiiboll,  LT..D. 
,  D.l). 
lUitU  A.M.  • 

Wood,  D.D. 
[)ite,  A.  M. 

u  L  L.  D. 

lira,  A.  M. 

urlcson,  A.M. 

ilcom,  D.D. 

,  A.M. 

.  LL.  n.,  ClianccUor. 

uluii'lk-r,  A.M. 


PHDFESSOR. 


Eaton,  D.D. 
th,  D.D. 
lipley,  D.D. 
,g5,D.D. 
lan,  A  M. 
,  Lynd,  DD. 
binl.  A.M. 
oiici  A.M. 
,  Couant,  D.D. 


0  aid  in  the  dcMb- 

ed  by  students  in 

nifition  regarding 

And  though  wc 

curricuhim,  there 

revolve. 

c  whole  subject  of 
'ed  prcpar;itory — 
[lilosophical  study. 
ir  it  is  probably  a 


as 

unanimo'.is  deci.sion  that  the?©  can  be  most  advantageously  prcsecuted  in  the 
general  in.^titutions  of  the  country ;  which  I  tru.st  will  be  wisely  and  liberally 
provided  for  by  the  state.  Wc  cannot  determine  on  any  absolute  standard  of- 
preparatory  attainment,  nor  would  it  be  cither  wise  to  do  so.  or  consistent  with 
our  views  of  the  gospel  ministry,  if  we  could.  The  truth  is  that  the  highest 
pifti?  and  the  most  eminent  scholarship  may  find  scope  in  the  service  of  the 
chtirch  ;  but  neither  the  one  nor  the  other  appear  in  the  authoritative  statement 
of  a  Bi.shop'.s  qualifications,  which  stands  on  our  only  statute  book.  We  would, 
in  a  private  capacity,  recommend  parents,  when  they  have  the  means,  and  young 
men,  when  they  have  the  opportunity,  to  extend  as  far  as  possible  the  advan- 
tages of  education  of  the  highest  order ;  but  we  ma}''  not,  in  any  relation  to  the 
church  of  Christ,  decree  that  any  given  amount  of  scholarship  shall  be  an  indijs- 
pcnsable  condition  of  admission  to  a  Theological  School,  or  to  the  pastoral  office. 
A  certain  amount  of  intelligence  will  indeed  be  necessary,  before  a  man  can 
properly  be  described  as  "  apt  to  teach  ;"  bat  that  we  are  not  to  determine  pre- 
vious to  his  admission  to  our  school, 

n.  THEOLOGICAL  AND  PASTOBAL. 

The  second  division  is  that  which  is  more  strictly  theological  and  pastoral ; 
and  the  na?  ratives  given  above,  will  .show  you  how  extensive  and  various  arc 
the  studies  which  properly  belong  to  it.  If  I  were  to  say,  that  the  grand 
source  from  which  the  materials  of  Theological  Science  rre  to  be  drawn  is  the  Holy 
Scripture,  1  should  .«:ay  nothing  but  what  the  Papist,  as  well  as  Protestants  of 
every  .school  and  sect  alFirm.  But  in  speaking  of  the  great  business  of  a  Theo- 
logical School,  as  the  actual  study  of  the  Word  of  God  itself,  I  should  probably 
contradict  the  practice  of  most  Protestant  as  well  as  Papal  Seminaries,  where 
the  common  text-book  is  not  the  Bible,  but  some  system  of  divinity  suited  to 
the  views  of  the  sect  or  the  teacher,  while  the  Bible  is  to  be  viewed  chiefly 
through  the  medium  of  commentators  and  expositors  who  support  the  system. 
The  consequence  of  such  a  course  is  the  cultivation  of  bigotry,  and  the  confirma- 
tion of  prejudices  and  prepossessions  which  veil  the  truth.  To  this  also  must 
be  traced  the  decay  of  scriptural  knowledge  among  the  people,  whose  teachers 
are  not  so  much  engaged  in  unfolding  to  them  the  Scriptures,  as  in  enforcing 
the  system  in  which  they  have  been  trained ;  if  they  are  not  content  with  the 
lower  aim  of  displaying,  for  the  entertainment  of  their  hearers,  the  accomplish- 
ments tliey  have  learned. 

"  Is  ClirLst  an  .ibler  teacher  than  the  schools  1 
If  Christ,  then  why  resort  at  every  turn 
To  Athens  or  to  Rome  for  wisdom  short 
Of  man's  occasions,  when  in  Ilim  reside 
Grace,  knowledge,  comfort,  an  unfathomed 
Stored 

How  oft  when  Paul  hath  served  us  with  a  text 
Hath  Epictetus,  Plato,  Tully  preached." 

In  every  Theological  School,  as  in  every  church,  the  Bible  should  be  the  text 
book:  and  the  students  should  be  led  to  it  directly,  with  the  independent  but 
humble  view  of  being  taught  of  God,  and  not  of  man.  The  impression,  T  know, 
has  been  cherished,  that  such  a  course  would  be  unsafe,  and  must  end  in  counl- 

3 


Ill 

f 
i 


*  '^1 


■1 


U 

less  diversities  of  sentiment,  if  not  in  the  utter  bewilderment  of  the  young  en- 
quirer,  anJ  ultimate  skepticism.  Are  they  Protestants  who  cherish^  such  a 
•sentiment  1  or  only  Papists  under  another  name,  and  owning  allegiance  to 
another  master  1  What  a  reflection  is  implied  in  such  a  sentiment  against  the 
wisdom  and  goodness  of  the  Cod  of  the  Bible  I  and  what  a  contradiction,  more- 
over, of  the  claims  of  the  Bible  itself,  which  represents  itself  as  enlightening 
the  eyes  and  making  wise  the  simple;  which  not  only  invites  but  enjoms  the 
search  of  all,  and  which  encourages  us,  as  new-born  babes,  to  desire  the  sincere 
milk  of  the  word,  that  we  may  grow  thereby.  One  thing  is  very  evident,  if 
God  has  not  succeeded  in  making  himself  understood,  the  eiForts  of  learned  men 
have  not 'fereatly  improved  on  the  original  obscurity,  if  we  may  judge  by  the 
ponderous  and  widely  conflicting  expositions,  which  arc  still  continmng  to  accu- 
mulate  in  our  libraries.  v  »,  4  i>.« 

On  this  point,  let  me  make  a  quotation  from  a  learned  and  accomplished  Pro- 
fcssor  of  Theology  of  the  last  century.  .       ..     x%       *   t,- 

"Pvica  havin-  been  to  visit  the  library  of  a  French  convent,  writes  thus  to  his 
friend  in  Persia  concerning  what  had  passed  -.-Father,  said  I  to  the  M'J^^nan, 
what  are  these  huge  volumes  which  fill  the  whole  side  of  the  library  7  Ihese 
said  ho  are  the  Interpreters  of  the  Scriptures.  There  is  a  prodigious  number  of 
them  replied  I ;  the  Scriptures  must  have  been  very  dark  formerly  and  very 
clear 'at  present.  Do  there  still  remain  any  doubts  ?  Are  there  now  any  points 
contested?  Are  there 7  answered  he  with  surprise,  arc  there ?  There  arc  almost 
as  many  as  there  are  lines.  You  astonish  me,  said  I,  what  then  have  all  these 
authors  been  doing?  These  authors,  returned  he,  never  searched  the  Scriptures 
for  what  ought  to  be  believed,  but  for  what  they  did  believe  themselves.  They 
did  not  consider  them  as  a  book,  wherein  were  contained  the  doctrines  which 
they  ought  to  receive,  but  as  a  work  which  might  be  made  to  authorize  their 
own  ideas.  For  this  reason  they  have  corrupted  all  the  meanings,  and  have  put 
every  passage  to  the  torture,  to  make  it  speak  their  own  sense.  'Tis  a  country 
wherein  people  of  all  sects  make  invasions  and  go  for  pillage  j  it  is  a  Held  of 
battle  where,  when  hostile  nations  meet,  they  engage,  attack  and  skirmish,  in  a 

thousand  different  ways."  . .      *t,  wt 

I  press  these  considerations,  not  merely  in  justification  of  my  position  that  the 
word  of  God  should  be  the  text  book,  and  the  study  of  it  the  great  business  of  a 
Theological  School;  but  also  with  a  view  to  disabuse  your  minds  of  the  idea, 
that  human  learning,  or  the  assistance  of  notes  and  commentaries,  arc  necessary 
to  the  every.day  study  of  the  word  of  God.  True  learning  is  useful—and  wo 
are  in  no  danger  of  having  it  in  excess  either  in  our  schools  or  our  pulpits  ;  but 
it  is  not  necessary  either  to  the  general  understanding  of  Scripture,  or  the  know- 
ledge of  the  great  truths  of  revelation.  These,  in  all  their  majesty  and  precious- 
ness,  with  all  their  elevating,  comforting,  sanctifymg  and  saving  power,  lie 
open  to  the  prayerful  enquiry  of  the  humblest  Christian.  Learning  is  important 
to  the  church,  chiefly  for  the  defence  of  truth  against  the  cavils  of  worldly  wis- 
dom; and  for  such  an  appreciation  of  all  the  sentiments  of  the  inspired  writers, 
as  a  familiarity  with  their  language  and  idiom  may  afford. 

The  word  of  God  itself  then,  I  repeat,  should  be  the  great  theme  of  study  in 
your  Institution.    The  business  of  the  instructor  will  be  frst  to  teach  the  cor- 


I 


05 


the  young  cu* 
cherish  such  a 
g  allegiance  to 
ont  against  the 
•ailiction,  morc- 
as  enlightening 
but  enjoins  tho 
sire  the  sincere 
very  evident,  if 

of  learned  men 
ly  judge  by  tho 
tiuuing  to  accu* 

iomplishcd  Pro- 

rites  thus  to  his 
to  the  librarian, 
brary  7  These, 
i^ious  number  of 
merly  and  very 
now  any  points 
luTc  arc  almost 
1  have  all  these 
d  the  Scriptures 
imselves.  They 
doctrines  which 
authorize  their 
gs,  and  have  put 
'lis  a  country 
;  it  is  a  Held  of 
,d  skirmish,  in  a 

position  that  the 
2at  business  of  a 
nds  of  the  idea, 
ics,  arc  necessary 

useful — and  we 
)ur  pulpits ;  but 
ire,  or  the  know- 
sty  and  precious- 
aving  power,  lie 
ning  is  important 
;  of  worldly  wis- 

inspired  writers, 

licme  of  study  in 
to  teach  the  cor- 


rect principles  of  interpretation,  and  to  put  the  student  in  the  possession  of  such 
aids  to  nndej'standing  the  iScriptures,  as  are  to  bo  derived  fjom  sacred  history 
and  biblical  philology ;  and  ///en.  to  guide  hlin  in  the  art  of  expounding  and 
cnH^rcing  the  Scriptures  as  a  teacher  of  others,  I  would  not  overlook  the 
importance  of  systematizing  the  truth  we  acquire,  in  order  both  to  tho  advance- 
ment of  our  knowledge  and  our  use  of  it ;  but  the  best  service  we  can  render  the 
student  in  this  respect,  is  to  teach  him  to  systematize,  instead  of  teaching  him 
a  system. 

The  following  suggestions  on  this  point,  communicated,  at  my  request,  by  the 
Rev.  O.  B.  Judd,  are  worthy  of  careful  consideration. 

"In  all  the  Theological  Institutions  of  this  and  other  countries  there  is  but  little 
variation  in  the  Course  of  iStudies,  or  the  plan  on  which  tliey  are  prosecuted ; 
and  it  would  be  presumptuous  for  any  one  man,  especially  for  one  of  limited  ex- 
perience, to  suggest  a  material  alteration ;  as  such  changes,  in  what  has  been  so 
uniformly  sanctioned  by  the  most  matured  wisdom  and  experience  of  ages  gone 
are  never  to  be  admitted  but  with  the  greatest  caution.  Nevertheless,  it  is  not 
to  be  supposed  that  our  schools  have  reached  the  acme  of  perfection  in  this  par- 
ticular feature,  so  as  to  be  incapable  of  further  improvement ;  or  that  there  may 
not  be  some  radical  defect  in  the  order  and  method  of  their  studies,  which 
nothing  short  of  a  positive  innovation  can  remedy.  Having  noted  several  ideas 
on  this  sulyect,  as  they  occurred  to  me  from  my  own  experience  and  observation, 
I  will  cheerfully  comply  with  your  request,  and  communicate  one  or  vwo  of  the 
most  important,  submitting  them  to  the  disposal  of  your  own  superior  wisdom. 
The  Bible  has  been  by  some  caviller,  compared  to  a  musical  instrument,  on 
which  the  master  can  play  any  one  of  a  hundred  different  tunes  at  pleasure. 
And  this  comparison,  though  unjust  and  false,  in  the  use  made  of  it  by  the 
infidel,  is  yet  truthful  in  tho  exhibition  of  a  real  and  important  feature  of  the 
Sacred  Wi-itings ;  since  they  are  so  constructed  that,  while  all  the  different  parts, 
taken  in  their  connexion,  form  one  harmonious  whole,  isolated  passages  may  be 
so  speciously  cited  as  to  afford  plausible  proof-texts  in  support  of  the  most  varied 
and  even  contradictory  dogmas. 

In  view  of  this  characteristic  feature  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  the  evil  use 
which  is  made  of  it  by  infidels,  sectarians,  and  crrorists  of  every  description, 
great  importance  should  be  attached,  not  only  to  sound  princijiles  of  biblical 
interpretation,  but  also  to  the  method  in  which  those  principles  are  to  be  applied. 
For  whenever  an  crrorist  is  allowed  first  to  set  forth  a  false  doctrine,  and  then 
to  sustain  his  assumptions  by  the  citation  of  certain  passages  of  Scripture  as 
proof-texts,  the  true  meaning  of  the  Divine  Word  suffers  violence,  from  which 
the  soundest  principles  of  interpretation  cannot  save  it.  And  so  long  as  the 
orthodox  are  accustomed  io  teach  Theology  after  this  method,  the  same  liberty 
will  be  looked  upon  as  fairly  accorded  to  the  advocates  of  error.  Indeed, 
apart  from  this  evil,  the  most  orthodox  incur  a  great  disadvantage  by  such  a 
method ;  since  the  proper  meaning  of  passages  so  cited  in  support  of  the  truth 
itself  is  so  liable  to  be  mistaken,  and  consequently  unsatisfactory. 

Would  it  not  be  better,  therefore,  that  students  for  the  Christian  ministry 
should  devote  little  or  no  time,  during  the  limited  space  allotted  for  instruction 


u 

\ 

-t . 


36 

in  the  Seminary,  to  what  is  technically  called  Dogmatie  T]>eolop;y,  excnpt  as 
he     led    e  weltleilne.l  doctrines  from  the  Scriptures  hy  the.r  own  consecut.. 
V  station  and  critical  exposition  of  the  inspired  vohnne  assisted,  of  conr 
y  a   on^petent  Proa.Hor  in  this  department?     It  is  a  notorious  and  unden.ab 
flct  t  .at  as  a  general  thin.,  the  graduates  of  our  Theological  Schools  are  tnorc 
hovSlv  re:d  in  some  •'  Hody  of  Divinity,"  a  theory  or  system  ot  uunan  das- 
ificati;.  and  construction,  than  they  are  in  the  Oracles  of  ^^^^J^^^^ 
sequence  is,  that  they  arc  Calvinists  or  Armm.ans,  Truntar  ans  or  A  nans, 
pSnari'ans  or  Socinians,  etc.,  etc.,  according  ^o  the  - -olm  wluch  they 
tudied,  th.  'Body  of  Divinity"  that  they  used,  and  the  Doctor  ot     hcology  >^ho 
u^.t'them.    Tll^ycan  preach  with  distinguished  ";.'>l'ty,  ^    tale,Ue     o^^^^^^^^^^ 
of  the  doctrmes  embraced  in  their  system-"  Systematic  1  hcology  "-hut  when 
cll led  on  to  expound  some  precious  portion  of  (iod's  Holy  AVord,  they  are  more 
Lquently  confused,  and  sometitnes  utterly  confounded  ;  because,  a  cons.derablo 
portion  of  their  time  having  been  devoted  to  Dogmatic  or  Systematic  J  iieology, 
the  principles  of  biblical  interpretation  are  but  imperfectly  understood  and  their 
practical  application  is  confined  to  a  few  select  portions  of  the  0  d  and  the  New 
Testament.     The  disadvantage  of  this  is  greatly  enhanced  by  the  circumstance 
that  most  theological  students,  when  they  leave  the  Seminary,  arc  not  furnished 
with  those  helps,  which  are  absolutely  essential  to  an  advantageous  prosecution 
of  their  studies  in  sacred  philology  and  biblical  interpretation.    It  is  much  easier 
to  become  familiar  with  Ecclesiastical  History  and  Dogmatic  Theology,  apart 
from  Theological  Professors  and  the  Library  of  a  public  Institution,  than  it  is  to 
make  much  head-way  in  the  sciences  of  biblical  criticism,  independent  of  all  such 
advantages. 

Let  the  student  be  furnished  with  all  the  historical  and  geographical  know- 
ledge that  is  essential  to  a  thorough  understanding  of  the  sacred  writings,  and 
with  all  the  principles  to  be  employed  in  their  interpretation ;  then  put  him 
directly  into  the  exposition  of  the  Scriptures  in  their  completeness  and  proper 
connexion,  with  such  critical  helps  from  books  and  teachers  as  may  be  needful, 
and  he  will  be  most  likely  to  develop  all  the  doctrines  and  duties  revealed  m  the 
Book  of  God  for  the  knowledge  and  use  of  man ;  he  will  be  thus  most  thoroughly 
"grounded  in  the  truth,"  free  from  the  trammels  of  any  mere  human  system, 
and  most  secure  against  all  subsequent  invasions  of  error. 

That  the  Course  of  Studies  in  our  best  Theological  Institutions  is  defective  in 
this  respect,  cannot  be  reasonably  denied  ;  though  it  may,  perhaps  with  more 
reason,  be  doubted  whether  any  material  change  can  be  safdy  made  to  improve 
them.  '  It  is  much  easier,  I  know,  to  detect  deficiencies  than  it  is  to  supply 
thorn  ;  to  point  out  errors  than  to  correct  them.  And  hence  it  is  sometimes 
better  to  cover  up  blemishes  which  cannot  be  removed.  But  trusting  that  a 
suggestion  from  me  on  this  subject  will  be  at  least  harmless,  I  have  ventuied  to 
gay 'thus  much,  in  the  hope  that  it  may  be,  by  the  blessing  of  God,  in  some  way 
beneficial." 

The  extent  to  which  the  course  of  instruction  shall  extend  in  the  contemplated 
institution,  must  be  accommodated  to  circumstances.  I  suppose  it  will  necessa- 
rily, in  the  first  instances  be  more  limited,  and  be  gradually  expanded  as  the 


37 


gy,  cxcppt  as 
vn  oonsccutivo 
toil,  of  cotirsc, 
iiul  iindoniablo 
lools  are  more 
ot*  hunian  clas- 
And  the  con* 
ms  or  Arians, 
in  which  they 
Theology  who 
vlcnlcd,  on  any 
ry" — l)ut  when 
,  they  are  more 
I  a  considerable 
natic  Theology, 
4oo(l,  and  their 
Id  and  the  New 
lie  circnmstancc 
'0  not  furnished 
ous  prosecution 
t  is  much  easier 
Theology,  apart 
ion,  than  it  is  to 
iident  of  all  such 

graphical  know- 
d  writiiiga,  and 
;  then  put  him 
ness  and  proper 
may  be  needful, 
3  revealed  in  the 
most  thoroughly 
;  human  system, 

ns  is  defective  in 
:'hap.s  with  more 
made  to  improve 
L  it  is  to  supply 
e  it  is  sometimes 
t  trusting  that  a 
have  ventuied  to 
Jod,  in  some  way 

the  contemplated 

se  it  will  necessa- 

expanded  as  the 


qualification  of  students  an<l  the  condition  of  the  churches  will  permit.  A  con- 
sidnablc  proportionof  our  first  students  will,  T  presume,  have  made  very  limited 
attainments  befcre  thty  come  tons  ;  and  it  might  seem  necessary  that  the  proper 
business  3f  the  Theological  school  bo  suspended,  until  their  preparatory  studies 
arc  advanced.  F.ut  tlien,  in  the  circntnstances  of  the  ficM  in  whiidi  they  are  to 
labor  it  i<  highly  desirabl'.«  iiiat  they  should  bo  in  some  measure  fitted  for 
actual  serviccj^with  the  least  possible  delay.  For  this  reason  it  will  be  necessary 
to  make  provision  for  their  improvement  in  l>ranches,  which  would  not  rank 
so  high  as  the  preparatory  studies  of  a  strictly  Theological  course.  Wo  must, 
in  fac't,  not  only  in  the  commencement,  but  in  the  progress  of  our  Institution, 
include,  in  our  arrangements,  provision  for  a  class  of  students,  whose  age  and 
circumstances  render  it  unavoidable,  that  they  must  either  enter  the  ministry 
without  a  classical  education  or  not  at  all. 

This  is  not  so  serious  a  drawback  as  might  at  first  sight  .ceem,  or  as  somo 
Pedants  would  be  disposed  to  represent  it ;  for  it  is  a  fact  which  need  not  be 
disguised,  lh:\t  a  large  portion  of  the  ministry,  in  those  churches  which  require 
what  is  called  a  classical  education,  as  an  indispensaldc  preliminary  to  the  study 
of  Theology,  have  no  knowledge  of  the  dead  languages,  which  is  of  the  smallest 
practical  use  to  them  ;  except  as  a  reputation  for  ac(iuirements  which  they  do 
not  possess,  may  serve  their  purpose.  Instead  of  si)ending  precious  ihnc  in  earn- 
ing such  a  worthless  reputation,  our  students  will  be  better  employed  in  acqui- 
ring a  correct  and  fluent  use  of  their  own  tongue,  and  a  general  knowledge  which 
will  place  them,  in  that  respect,  on  a  level  with  the  most  intelligent  of  their 
congregations,  when  they  enter  the  ministry.  This  may  bo  prosecuted  contem- 
poraneously with  studies  which  belong  more  properly  to  the  Institution. 

Another  class  of  students  will  come  to  us  with  a  partial  knowledge  of  the 
Latin  and  Greek  languages;  and  our  arrangements  must  include  provision  for 
their  advancement  in  these  studies,  and  for  their  introduction  to  an  acquaintance 
with  the  Hebrew  and  Chaldce.  This  may  be  done  in  connection  with  other 
studies,  and  especially  with  the  study  of  Biblical  interpretation— the  standard  of 
scholarship  being  gradually  elevated  as  the  course  is  extended. 

Both  of  these  classes  must  be  introduced  to  the  study  of  ^lental  Thilosophy. 
I  do  not  add  Ethics,  because  I  would  derive  Christian  I^.thics,  as  well  as  Theolo- 
gy from  the  Scriptures  diiectly.  The  study  of  iMental  Philosophy,  of  History, 
and  other  branches,  will  afford  the  most  favorable  opportunities  for  exercises  in 
English  composition.  But  I  need  not  dwell  on  particulars  in  this  address. 
Enough  probably  has  been  said  to  indicate  the  general  course  to  be  pursued  : 
enough  has  been  said  also  to  satisfy  you  that,  should  the  period  of  study  in  the 
commencement  be  limited  to  two  or  three  years,  there  will  be  work  enough  for 
both  teachers  and  students. 

FORMATION  OF  A  LIBRARY. 
Connected  with  the  present  efibrt  to  endow  a  Theological  School  of  the 
denomination  in  Canada,  and  in  perfect  consistency  with  it,  would  be  the  forma- 
tion of  a  library.  This  object  should  be  kept  steadily  in  view,  both  because  of 
its  practicability  and  obvious  use,  and  as  not  conflicting  with  the  other.  Aside 
from  all  that  can  be  accomi)lished  by  yourselves,  I  speak  not  unadvisedly 
when  I  say,  that  there  are  many  brethren  in  the  United  States  who  have  both 


3S 


r  * 


the  disposition  and  the  al.ility  to  aid  in  this  related  undertaking.  X  r  could 
the  beneficence  of  those  upon  whom  God  has  devolved  the  responsibility  of 
riches  be  better  employed,  or  seemingly  mo -o  under  the  guidance  of  provident 
wisdom,  than  in  the  establishment  of  a  library  consecrated  to  the  highest  inter- 
ests of  mankind. 

It  is  difficult  to  imagine  an  investment  of  private  liberality  at  once  so  perma- 
nent, so  productive,  and  so  exempt  from  the  liability  to  perversion.  At  the 
period  when  as  yet  no  plan  had  been  adopted  in  reference  to  the  munificent 
bequest  of  Smithson  to  the  government  of  the  United  States,  "  for  the  increase 
and  diffusioli  of  knowledge  among  men,"  many  of  the  wisest  men  in  our  public 
councils  contended  that  the  whole  fund  should  be  appropriated  to  the  establish- 
ment of  a  Library,  as  a  mode  of  investment  less  liable  than  any  other  to  waste 
or  perversion,  and  best  adapted  to  accomplish,  for  generation  after  generation, 
the  benevolent  design  of  the  testator. 

Libraries,  embodying  merely  the  secular  knowledge  of  an  age  or  nation,  arc 
copious  and  perennial  fountains  of  its  civilization  and  progress ;  for  civilization  has 
its  origin  in  the  confluence  of  intelligence,  and  in  written  authorities  alone  can  the 
latter  be  so  preserved  as  to  afford  a  perpctunl  and  augmenting  supply.  Printed 
books  have  created  the  grand  distinction  between  the  recent  and  the  remote  ages 
of  the  world ;  and  that  distinction  is  the  impossibility,  humanly  speaking,  of  any 
future  retrogradation  into  the  ignorance  of  the  past.  Unlike  the  manuscript 
collections  of  ancient  nations,  vast  as  they  were,  and  replete,  no  doubt,  with 
knowledge  transmitted  from  the  earliest  times,  the  treasures  of  our  printed 
libraries  may  be  deemed  too  imperishable  in  their  numbers  and  facilities  of 
reduplication,  to  be  irreparably  lost.  In  their  modern  multiplication  and  more 
durable  form,  all  valuable  contributions  to  knowledge  and  religion  are  certain 
to  become  the  heir-looms  of  future  generations. 

It  is  another  and  more  immediate  inceiitive  to  united  pecuniary  efforts  for 
such  permanent  objects,  that  nearly  all  the  great  collegiate  libraries  of  this 
country,  with  many  others  of  a  still  more  public  character,  and  all  the  incalcu- 
lable good  they  have  done,  from  their  origin  to  the  present  period,  may  be 
traced  to  some  single  act  of  private  liberality.  Even  that  of  Harvard,  with  its 
eighty  thousand  volumes,  disdains  not  to  acknowledge  this  origin.  That  of 
Yale,  now  numbering  nearly  sixty  thousand  volumes,  commenced  with  its  forty 
folios,  the  joint  contribution  of  ten  clergymen  of  the  colony  of  Connecticut, 
assembled  at  New  Haven.  That  of  Brown  University,  in  Rhode  Island,  aug- 
mented, about  twenty  years  since,  by  private  subscriptions,  amounting  to  twentj'- 
five  thousand  dollars,  and  already  containing  more  than  thirty-two  thousand 
volumes,  within  a  beautiful  Doric  structure,  having  the  reputation  of  being  one 
of  the  best  selected  and  most  valuable  libraries  in  the  country,  commenced  with 
a  donation  of  twenty  pounds.  Indeed,  of  the  four  hundred  collegiate  and  other 
public  libraries  now  established  ?ind  flourishing  in  the  United  States,  at  least 
three-fourths  have  sprung  from  private  liberality. 

An  exauiinatiou  of  the  history  of  many  of  the  cekbrated  Libraries  of  Crcat 
Britain  would  disclose  similar  results.  Of  435,000  volumes  in  the  British  Mu- 
seum, more  than  250.000  were  presented. 

There  is  much  that  is  curious  and  interesting  connected  with  the  Librar}'-  in 


«« 


g.  N  r  could 
isponsibility  of 
3  of  provident 
!  highest  inter- 

)nce  so  perma- 
rsion.  At  the 
;hc  munificent 
ar  the  increase 
1  in  our  public 
» the  establish- 
other  to  waste 
'tcr  generation, 

or  nation,  are 
civilization  has 
is  alone  can  the 
pply.  Printed 
he  remote  ages 
leaking,  of  any 
lie  manuscript 
10  doubt,  with 
of  our  printed 
ad  facilities  of 
ation  and  nioro 
on  arc  certain 

liary  efforts  for 
brarics  of  this 
dl  the  incalcu- 
pcriod,  may  be 
irvard,  with  its 
rigin.  That  of 
:1  with  its  forty 
of  Connecticut, 
de  Island,  aug- 
itiug  to  twent}'- 
'-two  thousand 
)n  of  being  one 
smmcnccd  with 
i'iato  and  other 
States,  at  least 

iraries  of  Crcat 
the  British  jNIu- 

the  Librar}^  in 


M 


39 

the  University  of  Glasgow,  commenced  in  1475.  ana  embracing  among  its  many 
thousand  volumes  so  many  beautiful  editions  of  the  classics,  and  containing  such 
a  number  of  valuable  manuscripts.  Yet,  after  all,  its  history  will  be  found  to 
bo  little  else  than  "  a  register  of  the  successive  donations  by  which  it  has  been 
formed."  Among  its  first  benefactors  was  George  Buchanan,  who  gave  it  a  do- 
nation of  twenty  volumes. 

At  no  previous  period  could  libraries  be  formed  under  auspices  so  favorable 
as  the  present.  Bibliography  has  become  one  of  the  most  mature  of  the  eco- 
nomic sciences.  Every  known  book  in  the  world,  of  practical  and  marketable 
value,  is  readily  found  in  the  great  catalogues,  marked  at  its  maximum  price; 
and  although  the  cost  of  old  editions  of  works,  in  theology  especially,  has 
increased  rather  than  diminished,  yet  others  more  compendious,  containing  the 
substantial  portions  of  many  within  the  smaller  dimensions  of  a  few,  are  ob- 
tainable at  prices  which  render  the  formation  of  a  modern  library,  numerically 
more  extensive,  and  intrinsically  richer  in  its  contents,  than  one  of  equal  cost  in 
other  times,  an  undertaking  of  comparative  facility. 

The  religion  we  profess  is  not  a  system  of  imperious  dogmas,  but  of  enlight- 
ened truths  and  convictions  which,  so  far  from  apprehending  a  collision  between 
the  works  and  the  word  of  the  Creator,  rejoices  in  the  growing  intelligence  which 
so  powerfully  contributes  to  the  harmonious  interpretation  of  both.  And  what 
a  fountain  of  ennobling  wisdom  and  virtue  does  a  modern  Theological  Library 
thus  become !  By  it  successive  generations  of  students  are  influenced,  who 
influence  others  in  their  turn,  but  like  that  mystic  mineral,  whose  properties 
were  not  unknown  to  the  ancient  world,  which  imparts  its  active  forces  to  a 
thousand  magnets,  which  yet  again  can  impart  them  to  a  thousand  others  with- 
out impairing  the  inherent  power  of  supply. 

EMPLOYMENT  OF  STUDENTS. 

There  is  another  point  on  which  I  must  touch  in  passing.  I  shall  take  it 
for  granted,  that  the  leisure  and  the  vacation  of  the  students  will  be  filled  up 
with  evangelical  labors ;  I  take  this  for  granted  for  two  reasons.  1st.  If  the 
character  of  our  students  be  such  as  I  am  persuaded  it  will  be,  and  as  I  know  it 
ought  to  be,  they  will  not  consent  to  even  two  years  of  silence  and  inactivity. 
2d.  Preaching  is  an  essential  part  of  the  education  of  a  preacher.  Men  do  not, 
in  any  other  calling,  teach  an  art  without  the  practice  of  it,  and  expect  the 
learner  to  come  out  a  proficient.  But  it  becomes  an  important  question,  how- 
much  of  the  brief  period  of  their  student  life  shall  be  spent  in  active  labor. 
Without  determining  the  question,  I  would  suggest  that  such  provision  should 
be  made  for  their  support  as  would  enable  thei  .  to  spend  by  far  the  greater 
portion  of  the  year  at  their  studies  ;  and  this,  not  only  because  the  period  is  at 
the  best  too  brief,  but  also  because  the  opportunity  of  studying  with  the  least 
possible  interruption,  greatly  increases  its  advantages. 

From  this  last  consideration  it  will  appear  to  you,  that  the  Theological  school 
demands  more  at  your  hands,  than  that  you  should  simply  provide  an  endow- 
ment for  its  chairs  and  a  library  and  other  apparatus  for  its  use.  "We  should  not 
regard  it  as  desirable,  if  the  amplest  means  were  at  its  disposal,  that  it  should  bo 
separated  from  a  pecuniary  dependence  on  the  churches,  at  least  to  the  extent  of 


40 


jl    "1 


the  support  of  such  students  as  may  need  aid  ia  the  prosecution  of  their  course. 
Such  a  dependence  will  liavo  a  salutary  influence  on  faculty  and  students,  and 
upon  the  churches  themselves.  It  will  serve  as  a  certain  stimulus  to  the  former 
and  keep  them  in  sympathy  with  the  churches.  It  will  keep  the  sympathies  of 
the  churches  with  the  Institution,  in  lively  exercise,  call  forth  their  Christian 
benevolence,  maintain  their  interest  in  the  great  object  of  the  enterprise,  and 
establish  a  closer  relation  between  them  and  the  ministry  who  shall  issue  from 
the  School.  Some  system  of  contiibutions  to  ministerial  education  should, 
therefore,  from  the  first,  be  adopted  ;  and  young  men  of  suitable  gifts  should  be 
eucouragcfl,  by  the  assurance  that  the  way  to  the  attainment  of  a  suitable  edu- 
cation is  open  to  them,  without  any  unnecessary  embarrassment,  and  without 
the  hazard  of  their  being  involved  in  debt. 

The  most  favorable  light  in  which  to  place  this  nrrangement  is,  not  that  a 
young  man  is  made  dependent  on  an  eleemosynary  grant,  but  that  the  churches, 
wheu  ihey  call  him  away  from  a  secular  employment,  engage  themselves  to 
afibrd  him  a  support  and  an  education,  ia  return  for  which  he  gives  up  his  time 
to  them,  during  the  two  or  three  years  of  his  course.  The  churches,  or  the 
Education  Society  acting  for  them,  beconie  virtually  his  employers,  and  it  is  then 
for  them  to  say  how  much  of  his  time  should  be  spent  at  the  seminary,  and  how 
much  of  it  in  actual  service.  Probably  nine  months'  study  and  three  months' 
activity  would  be  a  good  division  of  the  year ;  but  no  period  of  study  approach- 
ing that  could  be  proposed,  if  the  students  are  to  be  left  to  sustain  themselves. 

You  will  not,  of  course,  suppose  that  I  advocate  the  payment  of  salaries  to 
your  students,  which  would  present  the  student  life  as  one  of  actual  pecuniary 
gain.  The  sum  allowed  should  be  adjusted  by  a  fair  but  close  estimate  of  the 
actual  expenses.  For,  while  I  would  free  the  way  to  evangelical  usefulness  from 
unnecessary  hindrances,  and  relieve  the  mind  of  the  student  from  any  sense  of 
beggarly  1  pendence,  by  putting  his  relation  to  the  society  in  the  light  of  an 
employment,  I  would  be  far  from  desiring  to  make  the  path  to  the  pulpit  other 
than  one  of  self-denial,  and  far,  very  far  from  making  any  thing  relating-  to  the 
pastoral  office  wear  a  mercenary  or  secular  aspect.  It  is  already  too  much  so ; 
and  I  should  be  glad  that  the  word  '•  hire,"  and  not  only  the  word  but  the  idea, 
were  altogether  banished  from  our  ecclesiastical  vocabulary.  The  pastor  is  not, 
or  ought  not  to  be,  a  man  hired  to  do  a  given  amount  of  work  for  a  given  amount 
of  pay.  He  is  a  Christian,  called  of  God  and  by  the  Church,  to  take  the  over- 
sight of  the  flock  of  God,  not  by  constraint  but  willingly  ;  not  for  illtliy  lucre^s 
sake,  but  of  a  ready  mind.  The  church  for  whom  he  labors,  considering;  that 
they  have  called  him  away  ■*  \>iu  oi  lor  methods  of  providing  for  himself  and  his 
household,  will  be  bound  a,  re it^r  of  justice,  and  will  rejoice  as  a  matter  of 
love  and  liberality,  to  minlstr  c'  .i  necessities.  If  he  sows  unto  them  spiritual 
things,  it  is  not  a  great  thing  "  he  reaps  their  carnal  things  j  but  it  is  not  on 
either  side  a  matter  of  bargain,  .liJe  or  hire. 

As  to  those  who  are  setting  out  upon  a  course  of  preparation  for  such  an 
office,  if  they  are  not  prepared  to  sacrifice  and  deny  themselves,  and  to  pi-efer  a 
bare  maintenance  with  the  advantages  of  a  Theological  education,  to  the  most 
lucrative  and  honorable  station  by  which  the  world  can  tempt  them,  it  will 
prove  a  blessing  to  the  church  that  they  are  stopped  on  the  threshold  of  a 


41 


of  their  course. 
(1  students,  and 
lis  to  the  former 
c  sympathies  of 
their  Christian 
enterprise,  and 
shall  issue  from 
ucation  should, 
?  gifts  should  be 
a  suitable  cdu- 
nt,  and  without 

b  Is,  not  that  a 
at  the  churches, 
J  themselves  to 
ives  up  his  time 
hurches,  or  the 
'S,  and  it  is  then 
iiinary,  and  how 
i  three  months' 
study  approach- 
in  themselves, 
it  of  salaries  to 
.ctual  pecuniary 
estimate  of  the 
usefulness  from 
m  any  sense  of 
the  light  of  an 
the  pulpit  other 
;  relating-  to  the 
Y  too  much  so  j 
■rd  but  the  idea, 
je  pastor  is  not, 
a  given  amount 
)  take  the  ovcr- 
)V  filtliy  lucre's 
onsidering  that 
himself  and  his 
as  a  matter  of 
0  them  spiritual 
'ut  it  is  not  on 

ion  for  such  an 
and  to  prefer  a 
on,  to  the  most 
)t  them,  it  will 
J  threshold  of  a 


course  of  misguided  ambition.  The  proper  attitude  of  tlie  candidate  for  the  min- 
istry, is,  that  he  should  be  prepared  to  endure  all  hardship,  as  a  good  soldier  of 
Christ,  and  to  submit  to  any  privations  rather  than  not  preach  the  gospel.  Hut 
then,  his  Christian  brethren  should  not  be  willing  that  he  should  bear  all  the 
burden  of  a  common  service  ;  and,  as  a  mere  (question  of  economy  of  resources, 
it  is  desirable  for  you  that  his  time  should  not  be  occupied,  and  that  his  thoughts 
should  not  be  distracted  from  his  studies  by  care  for  a  subsistence, 

RELIGIOUS  CHASACTEE-THE  BIBLE, 

I  have  entered  so  far  into  particulars  in  this  address,  not  because  I  desire  to 
exercise  any  influence  or  authority  in  the  ultimate  adjustment  of  your  mode  of 

^^  operation,  but  because,  the  movement  being  a  novel  one  in  Canada,  I  am  anxious 

that  you  should  have  your  thoughts  directed  to  the  length  and  breadth  of  the 
enterprise,  that  you  maj'  see  the  importance  of  the  objects  to  be  attained,  and 
;||  anticipate  the  amount  of  earnest  and  sustained  efibrt  that  will  be  demanded  on 

your  part,  in  order  to  their  attainment.  It  would  have  been  more  agreeable  to 
me  to  have  dealt  with  the  higher  and  more  spiritual  asp  ts  of  the  subject ;  but 
the  consideration  of  these  every-day  details  seem,  at  this  juncture,  more  needful 
for  you, 

Wo  must  not,  how  :ver,  lose  sight  of  the  higher  bearings  of  the  subject.  An 
eflScient  organization,  ade(iuate  machinery,  thorough  business  management,  and 

|§  judicious  policy,  are  indeed  important ;  and  if  in  any  enterprise  we  need  the  wis- 

dom of  the  serpent,  and  the  most  mature  fruits  of  talent  and  experience,  it  is  in 
such  undertakings  as  these.  But  how  vain  will  all  human  policy  prove,  if  not 
moved  by  the  Spirit  of  God.  governed  by  the  wisdom  which  is  from  above,  and 
crowned  by  the  blessing  which  alone  maketh  rich.  I  can  conceive  of  uo  greater 
calamity  than  denominational  Institutions  standing  in  the  wisdom  of  man,  and 
controlled  by  cold,  calculating  men.  whose  councils  differ,  only  in  the  nature  of 
the  interest  discussed,  from  the  negotiations  of  the  counting-house,  or  the  delibe- 
rations of  a  worldly  corporation.  Such  ungodl}^  dealing  with  the  things  of  God, 
will  necessarily  be  followed  by  a  blight  on  the  souls  of  those  who  engage  in  it, 
which  will  gradually  extend  over  the  whole  sphere  of  their  operations. 

"Were  it  our  object  to  build  up  the  Baptist  denomination  as  a  well  compacted 
and  iuiluential  corporation,  and  to  secure  a  party  triumph,  the  cool  tact  and 
talent  ot  such  managers  would  be  invaluable  ;  but  since  our  object  is  spiritual 
and  heavenly,  we  need  rather  the  graces  of  the  Spirit,  love,  faith,  prayer,  and 
dcvotedness.  My  chief  object  in  this  address,  is  to  point  you  to  the  true  object 
of  our  undertaking,  with  a  single  eye  to  God's  glory,  and  in  a  spiritual  frame. 

If  my  years  may  stand  as  my  apology,  I,  who  am  an  elder,  exhort  you  indi- 
vidually and  in  your  churches,  "  dtsire  the  sincere  milk  of  the  Word,  that  ye 
may  grow  thereby."    I  have  spoken  of  the  Bible  as  the  text-book  in  our  school. 

1^  but  it  is  not  to  be  regarded  as  merely  the  foundation  of  Theology  for  the  stu- 

dent and  preacher— it  is  the  aliment  of  spiritual  life  for  all ;  and  the  churches 
cannot  be  in  health  if  they  are  content  to  take  it  at  second  hand  from  their 
teacher.    You  must  all  be  taught  of  God. 

One  manifest  defect  of  this  age  of  abundant  profession,  is  the  lack  of  scriptural 
knowledge.    In  Theological  education,  the  Bible  is  superseded  by  systems. 


42 


There  is  even  a  jv'ulc  spread  disposition  to  tlcprcciate  its  authority,  and  tamper 
with  its  matter.  But  worse  than  any  thing  in  the  schools,  is  the  neglect  into 
which  it  has  fallen  among  the  people.  You  can  scarcely  have  failed  to  notice 
this  neglect  in  a  new  country,  where  everything  discourages  earnest  study  of 
the  Word,  and  favors  a  superficial,  though  energetic  piety,  fitful  in  its  efforts 
and  uncertain  in  its  results.  The  bulk  of  professors  do  not  now  feed  on  its 
doctrine,  repose  on  its  promise,  and  walk  in  its  light.  A  thorough  and  familiar 
acquaintance  with  it  is  a  rare  attainment. 

As  a  natural  consequence  of  this  neglect,  the  prevailing  tone  of  doctrine  is  as 
low  as  the  sl'andard  of  piety.  That  which  is  the  great  burden  of  its  doctrine, 
history,  promises,  and  prophecy,  "Christ  and  him  crucified,"  does  not  occupy 
the  place  i^  the  Church's  teaching  and  the  Christian's  contemplation,  which  the 
intrinsic  preciousncss  of  the  truth  and  the  prosperity  of  souls  demand.  While, 
then,  I  say,  "  Let  the  Word  of  God  dwell  in  you  richly,"  I  add,  lay  hold  with  a 
firmer  grasp  upon  a  living  and  loving  Saviour ;  fix  a  steadier  gaze  on  him  "  the 
Lord  and  our  righteousness:"  let  all  that  he  has  done,  is  doing,  and  will  do,  be 
the  theme  of  your  praises  and  discourse ;  and  in  your  dealings  with  perishing 
men  bring  the  cross  into  greater  prominence— exhibit  it  as  the  onltj  way  of  sal- 
vation. 

The  influence  of  the  Bible  and  the  Cross  needs  to  be  more  vigorously  wrought 
out  in  the  personal  character  and  private  life  of  professors.  It  is  not  an  influ- 
ence only  to  be  enjoyed  and  displayed  in  public  ordinances  and  assemblies,  but 
an  influence  to  transform  the  whole  man  from  glory  to  glory,  and  to  pervade 
an  everyday  life,  reaching  into  the  sanctity  of  the  domestic  circle  and  the  closet} 
or,  rather,  beginning  in  the  heart,  it  extends  to  the  closet,  the  domestic  circle, 
until  it  reaches  the  public  assembly.  When  Christians,  walking  in  the  Spirit, 
and  exhibiting  the  image  of  Christ,  come  together  with  one  accord,  praying  in 
the  Spirit,  it  is  soon  known  that  the  Lord  is  in  Zion—God  causes  the  light  of 
His  countenance  to  shine  on  them,  and  Ilis  way  is  known  in  the  earth. 

As  you  grow  in  grace,  and  in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
(Christ— attainments  which  cannot  be  separated — your  hearts  will  burn  with 
love  for  the  Church  which  Christ  has  purchased  with  his  blood,  and  kindle  with 
compassionate  zeal  for  the  salvation  of  men.  The  Home  Missionary  Society  and 
the  Theological  Institute  will  be  the  appropriate  organ  of  such  a  piety  ;  and, 
when  they  are  so,  we  need  have  little  fear  for  their  pecuniary  support,  the  har- 
mony of  their  counsels,  and  their  efficient  operation.  With  what  spiritual  power 
will  they  be  endowed,  if  they  represent  the  aggregate  love  and  zeal  of  such 
churches — if  the  aficctions  of  such  hearts  minister  to  them — if  the  sanctified 
wisdom  of  such  spirits  guide  them — and  if  from  such  hearts  and  spirits  fervent 
and  eflcctual  prayer  is  constantly  ascending  in  their  behalf! 

This  spirit  and  aim  will  determine  the  character  of  the  men  whom  you  will 
seek,  and  who  will  ofler  themselves  for  the  work  which  lies  before  you.  Not  the 
cold  and  listless,  not  the  selfish  and  indolent,  not  the  vain  and  ambitious ;  but 
the  humble,  self-denying,  earnest  and  devoted,  will  be  attracted  by  sympathy  or 
led  to  it  by  duty.  It  is  not  gifts  only,  but  grace  also  that  we  need,  in  those 
who,  through  the  training  of  the  Seminary,  are  to  be  sent  out  on  the  labors  of 
the  Society.    No  splendid  endowments  or  attainments  can  compensate  us  for  a 


,^ 


43 


and  tamper 
leglect  into 
ed  to  notice 
st  study  of 
its  efforts 
•  feed  on  its 
md  familiar 

)ctrinc  is  as 
ts  doctrine, 
not  occupy 
,  which  the 
id.  While, 
hold  with  a 
n  him  "  the 
,  will  do,  be 
;h  perishing 
way  of  sal- 


;ly  wrought 
lot  an  influ- 
jrablics,  but 
to  pervade 
\  the  closctj 
cstic  circle, 
1  the  Spirit, 
,  praying  in 
the  light  of 
th. 

Lviour  Jesus 
I  burn  with 
kindle  with 
Society  and 
piety ;  and, 
Drt,  the  har- 
ritual  power 
:eal  of  such 
10  sanctified 
irits  fervent 

3m  you  will 
•u.  Not  the 
jitious;  but 
sympathy  or 
edj  in  those 
be  labors  of 
sate  us  for  a 


,.^ 


lack  of  spirituality  in  the  ministry  j  and,  with  this  in  view,  you  must  not  only 
see  to  the  character  of  those  who  are  sent  to  the  Institute,  but  we  must  watch 
over  the  advancement  of  that  character  in  the  Institute.  I  regard  it  as  a  matter 
of  groat  moment  that  the  youths,  who  shall  be  gathered  into  it,  should  be  tho- 
roughly trained  in  the  Bible,  and  well  grounded  in  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus  ; 
that  they  should  especially  be  made  familiar  with  the  plan  of  salvation  through  a 
crucified  Saviour,  and  be  prepared  to  preach  it  plainly  and  forcibly  ;  but  with 
all  this,  I  should  regard  it  as  a  failure  if  that  Institute  shall  not  become  a  school 
of  practical  Christianity,  where  the  doctrines  studied  shall  become  the  means  of 
the  student's  sanctification,  and  where  Christ  exhibited  shall  become  the  model 
upon  which  the  character  of  the  beholder  ^hall  be  formed.  The  teachers  and 
pupils  must  be  bound  together,  and  tlie  pupils  must  be  bound  to  one  another 
by  the  closest  ties  of  Christian  brotherhood ;  their  associations  must  be  carried 
up  into  the  fellowship  of  Christ ;  their  meetings  must  be  hallowed  by  praj'cr,  and 
improved  to  the  comfort  and  edification  of  their  souls,  so  that  the  future  minis- 
ters and  missionaries  of  Canada  may  go  forth,  not  onl}''  accomplished  in  knowl- 
edge, but  strong  in  faith,  ardent  in  love,  adorned  with  all  the  graces  of  the 
Spirit,  and  equipped  with  the  whole  armor  of  God. 

Now  all  this,  let  me  say,  is  not  such  an  easy  and  natural  result  as  it  may 
seem.  A  student  life  is  not  without  its  temptations,  from  without  and  within ; 
and  in  order  that  our  hopes  and  desires  may  be  realised,  let  us  all,  from  the 
first,  be  watchful  over  the  spirit  we  breathe  into  our  organization,  and  the 
atmosphere  by  which  we  surround  it.  And  as  it  advances,  let  us  continue  to 
surroiuid  it  by  our  united  supplications  at  a  throne  of  grace,  that  those  who  are 
within,  while  they  are  enriching  their  minds  with  intellectual  stores,  may  also 
be  strengthened  with  might  by  the  Spirit  in  the  inner  man  ;  that  Christ  may 
?lwell  in  their  hearts  by  Hiith ;  that  they,  being  rooted  and  grounded  in  love, 
may  be  able  to  comprehend,  with  all  saints,  what  is  the  breadth,  and  length,- 
and  depth,  and  height,  and  to  know  the  love  of  Christ,  which  passcth  knowl- 
edge }  that  they  may  be  filled  with  all  the  fullness  of  God. 

EICAPITTJIATION. 

Let  me  now  pass  in  hasty  review  the  considerations  thus  far  submitted  to  you 
in  this  address,  We  have  seen  the  promising  condition  of  the  Common  Schools 
and  Seminaries  of  Learning  in  Canada,  and  the  exemplary  efforts  of  other  de- 
nominations to  promote  ministerial  education.  We  have  seen  in  contrast,  the 
inactivity  of  Baptists,  while  their  numbers,  circumstances,  and  opportunities 
eminently  demand  their  best  endeavors.  They  are  last  where  they  ought  to 
have  been  foremost.  ^Ye  have  seen  the  uigent  demand  which  the  destitution  of 
churches,  and  of  the  Province  at  large,  presents  upon  your  earnest  and  prayerful 
endeavors  to  send  laborers  into  the  fields  white  for  the  harvest.  We  have  seen 
that  you  must  furnish  and  forward  these  laborers  from  your  own  ranks,  and  that 
the  time  has  come  when  you  must  take  an  independent  and  self-sustaining  posi- 
tion. We  have  seen  that  the  Theological  Institute  and  the  Regular  Baptist  Mis- 
sionarj-  Society  are  the  appropriate  agents  for  preparing,  distributing,  and  sustain- 
ing these  laborers.  We  have  seen  the  necessity  for  the  exercise  of  meekness  and 
forbearance  in  cooperating  in  the  Missionary  cause,  and  the  practicability  of  your 


44 


complete  anf!  cordiivl  union  in  ?o  r.reat  a  work.  "NVc  have  seen  the  necessity  of 
ft  Theological  School  in  orKt  to  the  efficiency  of  the  Missionary  Society.  Kot 
because  a  formal  education  for  tlie  ministry  U  essential  to  ministerial  usefulness, 
but  because  the  Theological  School  will  call  forth  men  of  suitable  gifts  and 
graces  for  the  work— save  time  ancl  talents— cultivate  suitable  habits—elevate 
the  standard  of  ministerial  qualillcations  to  meet  the  wants  of  the  age— ami 
prepare  the  pi-cachers  of  the  gospel  for  its  defence  and  its  advancement.  AVe 
have  seen  the  importance  of  a  native  ministry,  with  a  home  education,  and  the 
impossibility  of  obtaining  suitable  men  from  alien  institutions  or  other  lands. 
We  have  g^mced  at  the  course  of  instruction  which  ought  to  be  prosecuted— 
the  formation  of  a  librarj — and  the  provision  that  will  be  necessary  for  the  sup- 
port of  students  during  the  period  of  their  attendance  at  the  Seminary. 

And  now  let  me  suppose  this  two  fold  instrumentality  in  successful  operation. 
The  Society  I  shall  suppose  established  in  your  confidence,  and  furnished  with 
ample  means  to  aid  feeble  churches,  and  to  send  the  gospel  into  destitute  regions. 
The  Seminary  I  shall  suppose  to  be  fully  endowed,  an:l  to  have  obtained  the 
services  of  suitable  professors.  I  shall  further  suppose,  that  a  reasonable  num- 
ber of  young  men  have  devoted  themselves  to  the  ministry,  and  are  prosecuting 
their  studies  in  our  classes.  The  city  of  Toronto  an<^l  its  vicinity— a  vicinity 
which  three  railroads  and  numcious  steamers  will  soon  extend  over  a  very  wide 
area— \vill  afford  an  ample  field  for  the  exei-cise  of  their  gifts  during  the  sessions 
of  the  Institute,  and  during  a  poi'tion  of  the  year  they  will  be  dispersed  over  the 
Province  as  messengers  of  grace.  Not  only  will  this  furnish  a  considerable 
amount  of  evangelical  service,  and  afford  a  suitable  opportunity  for  the  culti- 
vation of  their  powers,  but  befoic  the  close  of  his  studies  the  character  and 
qualifications  of  every  student  will  become  known  to  the  churches  and  to  the 
Society.  Vacant  churches  will,  in  many  instances,  be  prepared  to  receive  tl;e 
young  preacher  with  open  arms  as  he  issues  from  the  school.  The  Missionary 
Society,  with  an  eye  to  the  necessities  of  the  several  localities  on  the  one  hand, 
and  to  the  qualifications  of  the  students  on  the  other,  will  wait  to  conduct  them 
at  ouce  to  fields  of  usefulness  without  cither  embarrassment  or  delay, 

CONCLUSION. 

In  conclusion,  permit  mc  to  acknowledge  the  affectionate  terms  in  which  you 
speak  of  my  efforts  among  yon,  and  of  my  visits  to  your  homes.  Advancing 
years  do  not  diminish  the  preciousncss  t>f  friendly  consideration  and  Christian 
sympathy.  And  it  is  matter  of  gratitude  to  my  Heavenly  Father  that,  while  he 
has  prolonged  my  period  of  activity  in  the  service  of  the  best  of  Jilasters,  he  has 
multiplied  around  my  closing  labors,  the  fiiends  who  cheer  and  sustain  them. 
When  the  companions  of  earlier  toils  have  gone  to  rest,  it  is  not  often  that  their 
places  arc  occupied  by  friends  of  a  succeeding  generation ;  but  this  has  proved 
the  case  in  my  experience,  to  an  extent  which  fills  my  heart  with  grateful  sur- 
prise. 

The  last  few  years  have  been  spent  in  frequent  journeys  over  a  wide  region, 
which,  in  my  youth,  it  would  have  seemed  the  work  of  a  life-time  merely  to 
explore.  AVherever  I  go  I  find  open  hearts  and  open  homes.  It  is  a  grateful 
thought  that  my  errand  ensures  my  welcome,  and  that  the  friendship  I  prize  is 


J  necessity  of 
society.  Kot 
al  usefulness, 
ble  gifts  antl 
ibits — cleviitc 
the  age — luul 
cement.  AVe 
ition,  and  the 

other  lantls. 

prosecuted— 

^  for  the  sup- 

ary, 

;fiil  operation. 

irnished  ivith 

titute  regions. 

obtained  the 
.sonablc  num- 
re  prosecuting 
ty — a  vicinity 
ir  a  very  wide 
g  the  sessions 
ersed  over  the 
i  considerable 

for  the  culti- 
character  and 
les  and  to  the 
to  receive  the 
:ie  Missionary 
the  one  hand, 
conduct  thcin 
lay. 


iu  which  you 
3,  Advancing 
and  Christian 
that,  while  he 
rasters,  he  has 
sustain  them, 
ften  that  their 
his  has  proved 
h  grateful  sur* 


4o 

atvin  to  the  love  for  the  Master  wc  serve.  The  hearts  that  are  opon  to  mc  are 
warmed  by  the  Gospel  I  preach,  and  the  homes  which  I  share  arc  gladdened  by 
the  Bible  for  which  I  plead.  I  give  the  best  expression  of  my  regard  when  I 
turn  from  the  welcome  that  awaits  me  elsewhere,  at  the  voice  of  your  invitation. 
And  I  give  my  most  emphatic  testimony  to  the  importance  of  your  enterprise, 
when  I  say  that,  although  the  cause  in  which  I  have  been  willing  to  spend  and 
be  spent  still  demands  my  solicitude.  I  am  willing  to  labor  with  30U  ;  and. 
should  this  prove  the  last  service  of  my  old  age,  I  shall  consider  it  well  and 
worthily  bestowed. 

I  need  not  remind  you  how  unavailing  my  endeavors  will  be  unless  the  Lord 
sliall  add  his  blessing.  "  Brethren  pray  for  us."  Xor  need  I  remind  you  of  my 
need  of  your  zealous  cooperation,  your  forbearing  love,  your  kind  consideration 
and  .sympathy,  '•  that  I  may  rejoice  in  the  day  of  Christ,  that  I  have  not  run  in 
vain,  neither  labored  in  vain." 

Are  cannot  penetrate  the  darkness  which  broods  over  the  future  of  this  earth- 
ly pilgrimage.  One  who  has  crossed  the  bourne  of  threescore  years  and  ten.  may 
not  boast  of  what  shall  be  on  the  morrow.  But  in  such  a  cause  as  ours,  we  may 
Well,  with  hopeful  diligence,  give  ourselves  to  present  duty  ]  remembering  the 
words  of  the  preacher,  "  In  the  morning  sow  thy  seed,  in  the  evening  withhold 
not  thy  liand ;  for  thou  knowest  not  whether  shall  prosper,  either  this  or  that,  or 
whether  both  .'^hall  be  alike  good."  I  cannot  but  cherish  the  assurance  that 
blessed  results  will  yet  be  reaped  from  what  wc  arc  now  sowing,  though  we 
may  not  live  to  witness  the  harvest. 

Though  clouds  and  darkness  envelope  the  immediate  future — the  future  of 
.sense,  there  is  a  future  beyond  it—the  future  of  faith,  which  is  radiant  with 
heavenly  light :  like  (he  mountains  on  which  the  sun  shines  beyond  the  valley 
that  is  shrouded  in  mist.  Thither  I  look,  with  a  gaze  not  less  clear  and  steady 
locause  these  bodily  eyes  wax  dim  ;  and  there  I  behold  glory  and  joy— the  true 
fruition  of  Christian  toil— the  gift  of  Sovereign  grace.  "^My  pilgrimage  cannot 
stretch  f:ir  into  the  darkness,  and  I  enter  it  without  fear.  But  to  its  close,  be  it 
nearer  remote,  Christian  responsibility  follows  us;  and  I  go  with  this  word  in 
my  heart,  "  Be  thou  faithful  unto  death,  and  I  %vill  give  thee  a  crown  of  life." 
In  this  blessed  hope,  I  subscribe  myself. 

Your  servant  for  Jesus'  sake, 

AncnioAtD  Maclav. 


a  wide  region, 
imc  merely  to 
t  is  a  grateful 
dship  I  prize  is 


